Search Results (1,773)

The expansion of international maritime trade, commercial shipping, and cruise tourism over recent decades has significantly accelerated vector-mediated biological introductions into the Mediterranean Sea. Port infrastructures and recreational marinas act as critical regional hubs, driving the introduction dynamics and secondary stepping-stone node dispersal of non-indigenous species (NIS). During a field monitoring survey for alien marine fauna along the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, an anthurid isopod identified as Mesanthura romulea Poore & Lew Ton, 1986 was detected for the first time in the Marina of Saidia. This finding represents the first record of the species for Morocco and its westernmost occurrence along the southern Mediterranean coastline. This study compiles and evaluates the chronological and spatial expansion of M. romulea across the Mediterranean basin over a twenty-five-year timeline (2000–2025). Despite its rapid proliferation, quantitative assessments regarding the ecological and socio-economic impacts of M. romulea on native ecosystems remain starkly absent, constituting a critical knowledge gap for regional marine conservation. Consequently, future research must urgently transition from spatial tracking to impact quantification and functional ecology, utilizing field exclusion experiments and trophic niche analyses. Finally, monitoring programs should integrate targeted molecular approaches and optimize adaptive marine management strategies across the increasingly vulnerable North African coastline. Full article

Respiratory allergies are among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma place a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds contribute to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, while globalization, urban landscaping, biological invasions, and climate change are facilitating the spread of new allergenic plants across continents. Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China that has become widely distributed in North America and Europe, including Romania. Although initially introduced as an ornamental and shade tree, its rapid growth, tolerance of pollution and drought, and ability to colonize disturbed urban habitats have increased its relevance as a potential aeroallergen. This narrative clinical review synthesizes evidence from clinical case reports, sensitization studies, molecular allergen characterization, aerobiological monitoring, and Romanian distribution data. To improve clinical and public health applicability, the review includes summary tables comparing Ailanthus with other emerging allergens such as ragweed and Platanus, outlining Romanian ecological and pollen-monitoring evidence, summarizing diagnostic implications for ENT and allergy practice, identifying evidence gaps, and presenting future research priorities. Current evidence supports A. altissima pollen as an emerging but under-recognized respiratory allergen, particularly in urban areas where the tree is established. However, major limitations remain, including the lack of standardized diagnostic extracts, incomplete molecular allergen validation, limited routine pollen monitoring, and absence of Romanian clinical sensitization studies. Greater clinical awareness, species-specific aerobiological surveillance, standardized allergen characterization, and coordinated Romanian sensitization studies are needed to determine the extent to which A. altissima pollen contributes to allergic rhinitis and asthma. Future research should explicitly distinguish species occurrence, airborne pollen exposure, IgE sensitization, and clinically relevant respiratory disease when evaluating the emerging allergenic importance of A. altissima. Full article

LIM and calponin homology domain-containing protein 1 (LIMCH1) has recently gained attention as a functionally perplexing factor in human cancers, with studies attributing both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting properties that defy simple categorization. Originally described as an actin-associated cytoskeletal protein that promotes non-muscle myosin-IIA (NM-IIA) activity and thereby curtails cell migration, LIMCH1 has more recently been linked to diverse oncogenic pathways across a range of tumor types. In lung adenocarcinoma and clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, diminished LIMCH1 expression is associated with more aggressive clinical behavior and reduced overall survival, aligning with a tumor-suppressive role. By comparison, in triple-negative and invasive breast cancers and in cervical squamous cell carcinoma, increased LIMCH1 expression correlates with enhanced metastatic spread, immune escape, and unfavorable outcomes, suggesting a pro-oncogenic function. In this review, findings from over 30 published studies are integrated with an original TCGA pan-cancer expression and survival analysis to propose that LIMCH1 is best understood as a context-dependent conditional regulator rather than as a classical tumor suppressor or oncogene. Based on the available evidence, we propose a hypothesis-generating conceptual framework in which its ultimate phenotypic effect is shaped by three interacting contextual determinants: (i) TP53 mutation status (determining whether the HUWE1-p53 axis is intact); (ii) tumor matrix stiffness (modulating actomyosin contractility and migration mode); and (iii) upstream signaling cues (e.g., MAPK/ERK, TGFβ). Of note, other tumor-lineage and microenvironmental factors may also contribute and warrant further investigation. This framework resolves the apparent functional duality of LIMCH1 in a cancer type-specific manner and provides critical guidance for future mechanistic research, standardized detection workflows, and the clinical translation of LIMCH1-based biomarkers. Full article

Extensive clinical studies have convincingly demonstrated that fungal infections constitute a mounting global health concern. Candida albicans, C. auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans were classified by the WHO as critical priority fungi due to their widespread prevalence, high mortality rates associated with invasive mycoses, and the increasing spread of resistant strains. The currently available antifungal arsenal, comprising four major classes (azoles, polyenes, echinocandins, and flucytosine), is critically insufficient. Resistance to these agents is escalating worldwide, while the approval of new drugs remains alarmingly slow. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to conventional and emerging antimycotics in critical priority fungi, including recently approved and investigational agents such as oteseconazole, rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, fosmanogepix, and olorofim. It examines current strategies to overcome resistance, including combination therapy, drug repurposing, targeted delivery, antibiofilm approaches, immunotherapy, and the application of natural antifungal compounds. Special emphasis is placed on antifungal peptides (AFPs) derived from plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi, along with their synthetic analogs, all of which have demonstrated efficacy against critical priority fungi. The review primarily focuses on the molecular targets of AFPs and on the development of fungal resistance under prolonged exposure, compared with conventional antifungals, in order to evaluate their potential as prototypes for next-generation antimycotics. Full article

Salmonella remains a serious public health threat. It is estimated to infect over 200 million people per year following inadvertent oral ingestion. It overcomes colonization resistance in part by initially exacerbating host inflammation. Salmonella actively invades host cells and extensively manipulates the endocytic pathway to create an intracellular niche conducive to its survival and growth. Salmonella counters the inflammation it initially contributes to with the deployment of numerous anti-inflammatory virulence factors to restore host homeostasis, allowing for a longer-term relationship with its host. This review covers the invasion of host cells by Salmonella and its intracellular replication and systemic spread strategies. Both the extensive manipulation of intracellular trafficking by some cells as well as escape from the vacuole and growth within epithelial cell cytosol by others are discussed. Also discussed are the typhoid toxin and Vi capsule. Full article

Functional trait plasticity enables invasive plant species to establish and persist across diverse environmental conditions. Following the extensive habitat disturbance caused by the 2010 floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Verbesina encelioides rapidly spread into disturbed and natural habitats. This study evaluated the phenotypic plasticity and biomass allocation traits of Verbesina encelioides across five contrasting habitats (i.e., cropland, roadside, riverside, urban, and abandoned land). Habitat differences were assessed using analysis of variance with Tukey’s HSD post hoc test, while multivariate analysis was used to examine relationships among functional traits, environmental variables, and habitats. Log-transformed data were used for linear regression analyses to satisfy normality assumptions. Plant functional traits varied significantly among habitats, demonstrating substantial phenotypic plasticity. Riverside vegetation had high functional trait plasticity followed by abandoned habitats. In contrast, riverside populations had fewer branches (14.3 ± 1.4), leaves (184.7 ± 10), lower leaf area (5360 ± 77 cm²), and reduced inflorescence biomass (8.61 ± 2.1 g) than abandoned-land populations. Cropland plants were taller (106 ± 3 cm) with heavier seeds (0.30 ± 0.04 g; p < 0.05), whereas roadside plants had smaller leaves (6.1 ± 0.3 cm) but produced more flowers (38.4 ± 6.2; p < 0.001). Biomass allocation remained relatively stable across habitats (p > 0.05), with greater investment in aboveground than belowground structures. Soil texture, organic matter, temperature, and precipitation were the principal environmental variables associated with trait variation, indicating that local environmental conditions strongly influence plant performance (p < 0.05). PCA revealed that seed traits dominated the first axis and were associated with cropland and riversides. Redundancy analysis indicated that soil properties (sand, silt, pH, EC) and climatic factors (precipitation, temperature) significantly influenced trait distribution. Hierarchical cluster analysis shows that riverside was distinct from other clusters both in functional traits and environmental variables. Inter-trait correlation revealed a significant relationship between leaf and seed traits. Overall, these findings reveal that V. encelioides adjusts its growth and reproductive traits according to habitat conditions. Greater seed weight in croplands may enhance seedling establishment under competitive conditions, whereas increased flower production in disturbed roadside habitats may promote dispersal and reproductive success of the plant. The strong functional trait plasticity of V. encelioides across different habitats highlights its potential to persist under habitat disturbance and changing environmental conditions, therefore posing risk to native plant communities and ecosystem structure. These findings support the need for habitat-based monitoring, protection of native flora and restoration of disturbed areas as part of sustainable land and biodiversity management. Full article

Although advances in pediatric oncology have resulted in cure rates exceeding 80% among children with cancer, progress in survival outcomes has begun to plateau in recent years. Mortality in this population remains largely associated with aggressive disease features, particularly tumor resistance to chemotherapy and metastatic spread. At the same time, the growing population of childhood cancer survivors has drawn increasing attention to the persistent and potentially serious late effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. Thus, it is crucial to discover drugs with specific antitumor action, effective and safe drugs that, combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, could chemosensitize or radiosensitize the tumor and reduce the severe side effects of both. Substance P (SP) peptide and its Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) are known to be involved in pediatric cancer, promotion and progression. Pediatric cancer overexpresses SP/NK-1R and NK-1R is essential for viability of cancer cells and is not essential for normal non-tumor cells. SP induces mitogenesis, exerts anti-apoptotic effects, and promotes angiogenesis, invasion and migration for metastasis in cancer cells and produces inflammation. Conversely, NK-1R antagonists, such as aprepitant and similar drugs, inhibit mitogenesis and induce apoptosis in pediatric cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. They also inhibit angiogenesis, invasion, and migration in pediatric cancer cells and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, aprepitant in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy can produce chemosensitization or radiosensitisation and decreases the severe side effects of both. This review updates the role of the SP/NK-1R axis in pediatric cancers and analyzes its potential as a therapeutic target. It highlights NK-1R antagonists, particularly aprepitant, and their potential as drugs for the treatment of pediatric cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean Sea is highly susceptible to marine bioinvasions, with non-indigenous ascidians frequently introduced and dispersed via maritime traffic. Here, we report the first records of the non-indigenous ascidian Polyclinum constellatum Savigny, 1816 in Maltese waters, identified within Marsaxlokk Harbour, which hosts a major international transshipment hub in the Central Mediterranean. Situated at a crossroads of global shipping lanes, Malta serves as a critical geographic sentinel for monitoring the occurrence and spread of non-indigenous species within the basin. Methods: Two colonies of P. constellatum were collected in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Given the condition of the sampled colonies, the high morphological plasticity and cryptic diversity within the genus Polyclinum Savigny, 1816, species identification was established using molecular taxonomy through DNA barcoding against reference sequences. Results: The obtained sequences from the two colonies were identical and confirmed the species’ identity through a 100% match in GenBank and BOLD. Comparative analysis revealed that the 678 bp sequences obtained here differed by 1 bp from previously documented Mediterranean records while matching others from more distant locations. The structure of the haplotype network based on the homologous sequences, together with the occurrence of multiple mitochondrial haplotypes across the Mediterranean Sea that are shared with geographically distant regions rather than neighbouring Mediterranean localities, supports a scenario involving multiple introductions of P. constellatum into the region, likely associated with maritime transport. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of integrating genetic markers into biosecurity monitoring frameworks to resolve taxonomic identities of cryptic taxa, improve understanding of invasion pathways and assess genetic diversity associated with the establishment and spread of non-indigenous species in novel environments. Full article

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the influence of climate change on the distribution and spread of invasive species. However, projections of the future distributions of invasive Ipomoea species remain limited, despite their strong reproductive capacity, ecological adaptability, and competitive ability. In this study, 34 environmental variables were initially considered, and highly correlated variables were removed before fitting Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) models, with model settings selected according to species-specific sample sizes, to predict the potential distributions of five invasive Ipomoea species (Ipomoea nil, Ipomoea purpurea, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea lacunosa, and Ipomoea alba) across China under current and future climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585). Model performance and the contributions of environmental variables were evaluated, and changes in suitable areas and distribution centroids were compared among climate scenarios. All five models showed high predictive performance, with AUC values exceeding 0.9. Snow cover days (SCD) was the main predictor for I. nil and I. purpurea, while Bio9, elevation, and Bio11 were the dominant predictors for I. quamoclit, I. lacunosa, and I. alba, respectively. Compared with the baseline climate period (1981–2010), suitable areas for all five species were projected to expand under future climate scenarios, with varying shifts in distribution centroids. These results indicate that climate warming may increase the potential invasion risk and ecological impacts of invasive Ipomoea species in China, highlighting the need for strengthened monitoring and management to support biodiversity conservation. Full article

Background: To determine if certain clinical and radiologic features of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (LGACC) on pre-operative MRI were associated with the treatment decision to perform orbital exenteration versus eye-sparing surgery. Methods: All consecutive patients with LGACC treated by orbital exenteration (Group 1) versus eye-sparing surgery (Group 2) from June 2007 to March 2024 were identified through a search of the primary author’s patient database. Data analyzed included patient demographics, T category at presentation (using AJCC 8th edition criteria), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, including T1 post-contrast enhancement patterns and T2 signal characteristics. The MRIs were reviewed by a CAQ-certified neuroradiologist. The location of the LGACC—including the distance of the posterior tumor margin from the superior orbital fissure (SOF), bone remodeling and destruction, involvement of the extra-ocular muscles (EOMs), temporal fossa, pterygopalatine fossa, sinonasal cavity, intracranial compartment, and the presence of perineural tumor spread—were analyzed. Results: The study included a total of 39 patients. A total of 16 patients with a median age of 52.6 years were in Group 1, and 23 patients with a median age of 46.1 years were in Group 2. A greater T-category and larger size of the tumor were significantly more common in Group 1. Smooth tumor margins were significantly more common in Group 2, while irregular margins were significantly more common in Group 1. The distance from the posterior tumor margin to the SOF was significantly less in Group 1. Crossing the vertical midline of the orbit, bone destruction, and the invasion of the EOMs were significantly more common in Group 1. Extension to involve the cavernous sinus, pterygopalatine foramen, and sinonasal cavity, as well as perineural spread, were only present in Group 1. No significant difference was noted between T1 post-contrast patterns and T2 characteristics. Conclusions: MRI features of LGACC more commonly associated with orbital exenteration as opposed to eye-sparing surgery included larger size and irregular margins, as well as the posterior tumor margin being closer to the SOF, crossing the vertical midline of the orbit, bone destruction, and the involvement of the EOMS, cavernous sinus, pterygopalatine foramen, and sinonasal cavity. These MRI features may aid oculoplastic surgeons in determining which patients may be candidates for successful eye-sparing surgery for the treatment of LGACC. Full article

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) is a non-invasive technique that delivers electrical currents through the skin to modulate peripheral neural and muscular activity. However, conventional surface stimulation often exhibits limited spatial selectivity because current spreads across superficial and deep tissues. To investigate physical principles that may inform future transcutaneous applications without assuming anatomical or physiological fidelity, this study developed a finite-element framework based on an idealized multilayer cylindrical limb model. The model represented skin, adipose tissue, muscle, cortical bone, and bone marrow using concentric tissue domains parameterized with averaged forearm dimensions and literature-derived electrical properties. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface-electrode montages were evaluated by varying return-electrode positions, axial electrode spacing, and inter-channel current ratios. The simulations showed that electrode configuration influenced the location, volume, and compactness of high-maximum-envelope-modulation-amplitude (MEMA) regions. Within the investigated idealized geometry, intermediate return-electrode angles (approximately θ₂ = 130–150°) produced more centrally distributed intramuscular high-MEMA regions, whereas current-ratio modulation shifted the MEMA_max-defined field maximum under fixed electrodes. These results demonstrate the computational feasibility of regulating TI electric-field distributions in a controlled virtual model rather than physiological selectivity or clinical efficacy. Translation to actual transcutaneous stimulation will require staged validation using anatomically realistic models, physical phantoms, physiological experiments, and ultimately human studies. Full article

Orosanga japonica (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) is an invasive, polyphagous planthopper established in Türkiye since 2007 that threatens economically important perennial and field crops across the Black Sea region. Although its establishment and rapid spread suggest considerable adaptive capacity, the genomic basis of this potential remains unexplored. We combined whole-genome sequencing with RNA-Seq data to generate a functionally annotated genome, recovering 92.5% of conserved single-copy orthologs. Utilizing these resources, we performed comparative genomic analyses across 20 additional hemipteran and thysanopteran species, investigating gene family dynamics and genome-wide positive selection. These analyses revealed 52 gene families with statistically significant, lineage-specific size changes (24 expansions and 28 contractions): expanded families were enriched for C2H2 zinc-finger transcription factors, α/β-hydrolases, major facilitator transporters, serpins, and chemosensory proteins, whereas contracted families included a cytochrome P450 family. Additionally, branch site tests identified 122 candidate genes under lineage-specific positive selection. These loci fall into three functional categories potentially associated with invasion-related traits: host detection and neuronal excitability, stress tolerance (xenobiotic, oxidative, and proteostatic), and barrier remodeling. Together, these genomic signatures highlight candidate molecular mechanisms that may contribute to host detection, xenobiotic tolerance, and ecological plasticity, providing a framework for evolutionary analysis and the targeted management of this emerging agricultural pest. Full article

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a devastating infectious disease of pine trees caused by the invasion of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Achieving rapid and accurate identification of pine trees in the early stages of infection is critical for preventing and controlling its spread, particularly for early warning and intervention before the plants exhibit obvious discoloration symptoms. The Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PSRI) has shown significant potential for the early detection of PWD. However, existing studies often use its default band combinations for calculation, which may fail to fully exploit key wavelength information that is more sensitive to pre-symptomatic PWD stress. Based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral imaging data, the present work systematically optimizes and reconstructs the three band parameters of the PSRI to explore an optimal wavelength combination more suitable for the early identification of PWD-infected trees. The results indicate that compared to the original settings of the PSRI, the wavelength combination of 490-666-700 nm performs better in pre-visually identifying infected pine trees in the early stages of infection, achieving a detection accuracy of 82.71%. Our work identifies an optimized PSRI wavelength combination more sensitive to the pre-visual early stage of PWD based on hyperspectral data. This method demonstrates promising potential for pre-visual detection of PWD before visible symptoms appear, which may provide an earlier opportunity for PWD monitoring and intervention. Full article

Background: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) easily causes bacteremia and liver abscess, and invades the eye via blood circulation to trigger blinding endogenous endophthalmitis. Widespread multidrug resistance limits antibiotic treatment, while traditional capsular polysaccharide vaccines cannot provide cross-serotype protection. Methods: We established a mouse model of intraperitoneal infection-induced endogenous endophthalmitis. BALB/c mice received two intramuscular injections of LNP-encapsulated PstS-YidR fusion mRNA vaccine, followed by challenge with hypervirulent K1 or K2 strains. We monitored body weight, quantified multi-tissue bacterial loads, detected IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and performed slit-lamp observation and liver/ocular histopathology. Results: The vaccine relieved systemic symptoms and weight loss, suppressed bacterial dissemination across peritoneal, blood, liver, lung and eye tissues, and reduced excessive inflammatory factor release. It alleviated intraocular suppurative lesions, preserved ocular structure, and mitigated liver abscess and hepatocellular necrosis, with equal protective efficacy against K1 and K2 and favorable in vivo safety. Conclusions: The PstS-YidR fusion mRNA vaccine blocks systemic spread and intraocular invasion of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae and alleviates multi-organ inflammatory damage. It serves as a safe candidate vaccine for preventing K1/K2-type hypervirulent Klebsiella infections and endogenous endophthalmitis. Full article

Due to limitations in the use of antibiotics as feed additives to promote growth, the development of safe, effective, and environmentally friendly antibiotic alternatives is a critical and urgent research priority in animal nutrition and veterinary medicine. Plants contain abundant active substances, which are important sources for developing new feed additives or discovering new active substances. Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (A. adenophora) is an herb native to Central America and a globally invasive species that has spread across Asia, Australia, Africa, and other continents. Studies indicated that it possesses a complex chemical composition, with over 100 constituents identified, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which exhibit diverse biological activities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, insecticidal, acaricidal, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antitumor, and gut health regulation effects. However, it also possesses distinct toxicity, primarily targeting organs such as the intestines, liver, and spleen, causing tissue damage by activating specific signaling pathways. This may limit its utilization as a feed additive or in medical drug development. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and toxicological effects of A. adenophora. We also discussed its potential application and current challenges. We hope this review can promote its development and utilization as potential feed additives or medicinal resources. Full article