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Archaea constitute a diverse group of organisms, many of which inhabit extreme environments, such as haloarchaea that dominate hypersaline ecosystems, like solar salterns. Sampling of solar salterns and other hypersaline environments has resulted in numerous haloarchaeal isolates, including 3 classified and 27 uncharacterized Halogranum species. However, no complete genome has so far been reported for any member of this genus. Here, we present the first comprehensive study of Halogranum sp. SS5-1 isolated from a solar saltern in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. Hgn. SS5-1 is a pleomorphic, aerobic heterotroph that thrives in high salinity and moderate temperature and is capable of hydrolyzing starch. Its genome consists of a 3.6 Mbp chromosome and seven additional plasmids. Based on our phylogenetic analyses, which establish Hgn. SS5-1 as a distinct species, we propose that it will be classified as the novel species Halogranum roseipondis sp. nov. SS5-1T. Additionally, we report that Hgn. roseipondis sp. nov. SS5-1T is infected by Hagravirus capitaneum (HGTV-1), the only virus known to infect a Halogranum host. HGTV-1 exhibits a unique head-tailed morphology and encodes the largest archaeal virus double-stranded DNA genome known to date, including 34 tRNA-encoding genes. Codon usage analysis of the viral genome suggests partial alignment with host preferences, yet the abundance of viral tRNA genes hints at broader roles, potentially including roles in translation and host regulation. This study establishes Hgn. roseipondis and HGTV-1 as a novel virus-host system, opening avenues to explore infection dynamics and the roles of virus-encoded tRNA in archaea. Archaea that thrive in high-salinity environments are key players in geochemical cycles and important contributors to ecosystem productivity. Despite their ecological significance and importance for the development of novel methodologies in synthetic biology, haloarchaea remain poorly studied. Further exploration of haloarchaea is required to obtain valuable information on the evolution of cellular complexity and the molecular mechanisms that allow cells to thrive in harsh environmental conditions. Here, we present the characterization of a novel archaeon, Halogranum roseipondis sp. SS5-1T, alongside the infection cycle of its associated virus, Hagravirus capitaneum. This tailed myovirus carries an extraordinary set of 34 viral tRNA genes, a feature that opens intriguing questions about virus-host interactions and translational control. Our findings lay the groundwork for future investigations into the expression and function of viral tRNAs in an archaeal model system, thereby opening a new frontier for studying archaeal translation and virus-driven modulation of host cellular processes.

Kinesiology tape is used to treat various MSK conditions. The mechanisms behind kinesiology tape are not fully understood, although several theories exist. Research aims to understand the relationship between kinesiology tape and blood flow, as the current literature cannot discern kinesiology tape's effects over placebo. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in skin temperature and cutaneous blood flow of the unilateral erector spinae with the application of Thrive "Far Infrared" kinesiology tape. Controlled Laboratory Study. Twenty-five participants had Thrive "Far Infrared" kinesiology tape randomly assigned to one side of their back while Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) probes monitored red cell flux and tissue temperature bilaterally for 40 total minutes of measurement. While the participants were maintained a prone position, baseline data were gathered over 5 minutes, followed by a 30-minute taped period where the LDF probes continuously recorded data. A final, non-taped 5-minute period to record return to baseline data concluded the session. A two-way mixed repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess for changes in flux and temperature over time. The tape side demonstrated greater flux and cutaneous temperature values compared to the non-taped side (p <0.001, d=0.864) at all follow-up periods. Effects lingered even into the post-removal period. This study demonstrates an increase in cutaneous blood flow and skin temperature with the application of Thrive "Far Infrared" kinesiology tape in individuals in static positioning. The clinical significance of these findings remains unclear. 2B.

Urbanization is a major global driver of biodiversity change, with species responses to urban settings ranging from avoidance to exploitation. To better understand these responses, we conducted a global analysis of urban relative affinity inferred from occurrence data across more than 30,000 animal and plant species. Our synthesis showed a consistent pattern across taxa and biogeographic regions: many species are urban avoiders, while few thrive as urban exploiters-a pattern we coin 'species urbanness distribution'. We then assessed whether body size, an integrative ecological trait fundamental to space use, mobility, metabolism, and environmental sensitivity, showed consistent associations with urban affinity among species and across 371 taxonomic families. Analyses were conducted at the interspecific level and focused primarily on variation among taxonomic families (with an accompanying application to view results available for each family here: https://globalecologyresearchgroup.github.io/Callaghan_et_al-2026-eLife-ShinyApp/). Larger body sizes were generally associated with greater urban affinity in plants compared to animals, though these size-affinity relationships showed considerable variability among families. Our findings highlight the heterogeneous relationship between body size and urban affinity across the tree of life, underscoring the importance of tailored strategies to support urban biodiversity. This research advances ecological understanding of urban filtering and provides a framework for guiding biodiversity-sensitive urban planning amid accelerating global urbanization. Urbanization is often assumed to be harmful to plants and animals. And while many species disappear from cities, others survive or even thrive. Scientists have spent decades trying to understand why. One idea is that body size plays an important role because it influences how species move, find food, compete and cope with changing environments. For example, a large bird can easily move in and out of urban areas, whereas a small beetle may be effectively trapped within the city. However, previous studies have focused on only a few groups of organisms or a handful of cities, making it difficult to identify broad patterns. By examining more than 30,000 species from around the world, Callaghan et al. asked whether body size consistently helps explain which species succeed in urban environments. The researchers found that most species avoid cities, while only a relatively small number thrive in them. Body size mattered, but not in the same way for every group. Larger plant species were generally more likely to tolerate urban environments, whereas the relationship in animals was much more variable. Some animal groups showed the opposite pattern, while many showed little relationship at all. This suggests there is no single recipe for urban success. To help others explore these patterns, Callaghan et al. created an interactive that allows users to examine results for their favourite groups, from moths and birds to orchids. As cities continue to expand worldwide, understanding which species are likely to persist is becoming increasingly important. The results of Callaghan et al. show that body size can help explain urban affinity in some groups, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Explaining why species succeed or fail in cities will require considering many different traits and ecological processes. To support future research, the researchers also provided openly accessible, region-specific urban affinity scores for more than 30,000 species. Together, these resources provide a framework for developing and testing new ideas about how urbanization shapes biodiversity.

This paper equips nursing and midwifery academics with strategies to assess student competence in an educational landscape shaped by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). It examines assessment design approaches, highlighting the shift from tasks reliant on unenforceable rules (discursive changes) toward redesigning assessment mechanics (structural changes) to preserve validity. The rapid adoption of GenAI tools like ChatGPT is transforming higher education, challenging assumptions about teaching, learning, and academic integrity. Traditional assessments are increasingly unsuited when AI can replicate student outputs. Rather than policing AI use, institutions must leverage its potential whilst ensuring assessment remains authentic, equitable, and valid. A narrative review was undertaken, drawing upon peer-reviewed literature, expert commentary, and policy documents related to GenAI in nursing and midwifery education, emphasising assessment design and academic integrity. Two primary approaches are presented. Lane One creates GenAI-resistant tasks fostering higher-order thinking. Lane Two embraces human-AI collaboration, focusing on transparency, process, and developing evaluative judgement. A hybrid Lane Three allows conditional AI use within defined boundaries. Effective redesign requires structural, not merely discursive change, adopting systemic program-level assessment and clarifying acceptable AI use. Supporting staff and students through uncertainty is essential for sustainable reform. Valid and ethical assessment in the GenAI era demands explicit institutional policies, clear communication, and rubrics promoting authentic learning. Embedding structural changes within assessment design, rather than relying on rule enforcement, will ensure nursing and midwifery graduates are prepared to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Ensuring patient safety principles remain central to assessments whilst demanding that GenAI integration upholds professional standards will prepare nursing and midwifery graduates to thrive in an AI-enabled healthcare environment.

Health care worker burnout is a potential job hazard. Palliative care clinicians (PCCs) are especially vulnerable due to the intense emotional and challenging demands of the work. Creating environments for PCCs to thrive is the responsibility of the organization, however, PCCs have the responsibility to take care of themselves inside and outside of the workplace. This article brings together perspectives of leaders with expertise in palliative care, burnout, and resiliency to explore ways in which individuals, teams, and organizations can promote supportive environments where employees thrive. In this article, we use a "Top 10" format to highlight organizational methods for well-being implementation and sustainability.

The larvae of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) thrive in environments rich in decaying organic matter and dead animals, which are often colonized by bacteria. This adaptation suggests the larvae possess antimicrobial substances that provide them with a defense against bacterial infection. The hemolymph from around 200 C. megacephala larvae previously exposed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (clinical isolate) was collected, purified, and isolated utilizing Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Fractions exhibiting antimicrobial properties underwent further analysis using Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (QTOF-LCMS). The resulting mass spectra were translated into amino acid sequences through de novo algorithms. Antimicrobial prediction tools from repositories such as APD3, Database of Antimicrobial Activity and Structure of Peptides (DBSAAP), Database of Antimicrobial Peptide (DBAMP), and Collection of Antimicrobial Peptide Version 4 (CAMPR4) were employed to validate the peptide sequences. We found the peptide (HGCGRLSKWFRQPGLLLSVKR) exhibited partial similarity with C. megacephala's heat shock protein 70 (hsp70). The peptide demonstrated activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.06&#xa0;mg/ml and an inhibition zone ranging from 8 to 11&#xa0;mm at a concentration of 1&#xa0;mg/ml. The cytotoxicity test of the peptide on immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCat) and human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) revealed an average cell viability&#x2009;>&#x2009;80% at concentration of 0.06&#xa0;mg/ml. In conclusion, the novel peptide (HGCGRLSKWFRQPGLLLSVKR) exhibits a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria while demonstrating minimal toxicity towards human cells.

Members of the bacterial phylum Bacteroidota inhabit diverse ecosystems, yet environmental species remain poorly understood compared to clinically relevant ones. Although Bacteroidota are dominant in crop-associated microbiomes, the mechanisms enabling them to thrive in plant and soil environments remain unclear. A key obstacle in understanding gene fitness in Bacteroidota is the lack of genome-wide functional studies, largely due to their inherent resistance to antibiotics, which hinders genetic manipulation. Here, we applied randomly barcoded transposon mutagenesis sequencing (RB-TnSeq) to measure gene fitness in a plant-associated Bacteroidota, Mucilaginibacter yixingensis YX-36. Our data sheds light on pathways involved in rhizosphere colonization, gliding motility, stress tolerance, and carbon metabolism. Notably, we found that phylum-specific genes such as polysaccharide utilization loci and carbohydrate-active enzymes are needed for fitness in the plant niche. Overall, this work advances our understanding of gene functions in environmental Bacteroidota species and provides a foundation for future research on their roles in plant-microbe interactions.

Yeast overgrowth in the human intestine is common, but its pathogenesis remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the relationship between faecal yeast overgrowth and residing yeast species, protozoan parasites, and bacterial population dynamics. In this Dutch single-centre observational cohort study, 2848 faecal samples from individuals undergoing parasitology exams were analysed for yeast growth by culture and species identification via CHROMagar and matrix-assisted laser desorption or ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Participants with 105 or more yeast colony-forming units (CFUs; overgrowth) without antibiotic exposure in the past 3 months were included and age-matched and sex-matched to participants without antibiotic exposure in the past 3 months who had no yeast growth or had less than 105 yeast CFU (ie, normal or elevated yeast growth) in a 1:1:1 ratio, to identify changes in fungal, parasitic, and bacterial microbiota associated with intestinal yeast overgrowth. Parasitological diagnosis was performed with microscopy and PCR. 16S bacterial microbiota sequencing was performed in a nested case-control study of 102 individuals. Samples from 78 healthy donors were used to establish normal yeast growth thresholds. In-vitro cultures of Blastocystis spp and Candida were used to study the effects of oxygen on growth. Faecal samples were collected between 2015 and 2020. Of the 2848 samples, yeasts were isolated in 1855 (65&#xb7;1%). Yeast growth varied markedly among individuals: normal growth (1-7300 CFU/g; 1440 [50&#xb7;6%]), elevated growth (7301-105 CFU/g; 297 [10&#xb7;4%]), and yeast overgrowth (>105 CFU/g; 118 [4&#xb7;1%]). Yeast overgrowth was linked to antibiotic use in the 3 months before sample collection (p<0&#xb7;0001) and proton-pump inhibitor use (p=0&#xb7;0001). Candida albicans (87 [76%] of 115 of participants) and Candida glabrata (38 [33%] of 115) were the most common in yeast overgrowth. Compared with normal growth, prevalence of C glabrata rose significantly (from 2% to 33%, p<0&#xb7;001), whereas that of Candida parapsilosis declined (from 10% to 2%, p<0&#xb7;001). Overgrowth was associated with reduced prevalence of Dientamoeba fragilis (from 14% to 5%, p=0&#xb7;0055) and Blastocystis spp (from 26% to 14%, p=0&#xb7;0062). Bacterial alpha diversity declined (p=0&#xb7;027) as the abundance of obligate anaerobes decreased. In vitro, C albicans growth was absent under strict anaerobic conditions but thrived in oxygen-rich environments, whereas Blastocystis grew abundantly in anaerobic conditions and was inhibited in the presence of oxygen. Yeast overgrowth is associated with increased prevalence of C albicans and C glabrata, decreased prevalence of C parapsilosis, a marked reduction in the obligate anaerobic parasites D fragilis and Blastocystis spp, and a shift from anaerobic to facultative anaerobic bacteria. Elevated colonic luminal oxygen can drive these disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of understanding colonic oxygen regulation and its associated microbiota changes. Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research; Amsterdam UMC; National Centre for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health.

Disorders of intracellular cobalamin metabolism are rare but treatable conditions that mimic bone marrow failure syndromes. An eight-month-old male presented with macrocytic anemia, reticulocytopenia, neutropenia, infections, failure to thrive, and developmental delay. Bone marrow examination showed hypocellularity with paucity of myeloid precursors, dysplastic megakaryocytes, fibrosis, and cytoplasmic vacuolization of hematopoietic precursors. Whole-exome-sequencing identified a homozygous LMBRD1 variant (c.907C&#x2009;>&#x2009;A; p.Pro303Thr), confirmed by parental segregation. Treatment with parenteral hydroxocobalamin resulted in partial improvement. LMBRD1-related cblF deficiency is an exceptionally rare but treatable mimic of inherited bone marrow failure. Early recognition enables targeted therapy.

Large-scale mangrove mortality associated with salinity fluctuations is frequently reported. These fluctuations are caused by climatic extremes or hydraulic engineering projects. However, the adaptation processes of mangrove plants to salinity fluctuations remain poorly understood. We subjected the salt-secreting species Aegiceras corniculatum and the salt-excluding species Bruguiera gymnorhiza to daily salinity fluctuations, and investigated their responses in terms of gas exchange, PSII photochemical efficiency, and osmotic regulation. A. corniculatum demonstrated an opportunistic strategy by efficiently utilizing optimal salinity conditions (5-15&#x2030;) during early salinity fluctuations (Day 1). It rapidly modulated stomatal conductance to enhance photosynthetic rate. At the same time, it employed inorganic ion mediated osmotic adjustment to maintain water uptake capacity and sustain stomatal opening. Notably, even when photosynthetic activity was suppressed under high salinity stress (25&#x2030;), this species successfully exploited subsequent low salinity periods (5&#x2030;) to fully restore photosynthetic performance within a defined recovery period (by Day 35). In contrast, B. gymnorhiza adopted a conservative approach. It responded to rising salinity by promptly reducing both stomatal conductance and photochemical efficiency to prevent excessive water loss, although this occurred at the expense of photosynthetic rate. B. gymnorhiza maintained stable leaf inorganic ion concentrations and osmotic potential. This strategy effectively avoided ion toxicity but resulted in reduced water absorption capacity. Consequently, photosynthetic inhibition persisted during transient low salinity intervals. These findings highlight that opportunistic species thrive in dynamic estuarine environments through energy efficient adaptations involving stomatal regulation and inorganic ion homeostasis. In contrast, conservative strategies, while protective against stress, demonstrated limited resilience to salinity fluctuation regimes.

Biological nitrogen fixation is a key process impacting productivity in the Baltic Sea. Most studies of this process have focused on filamentous cyanobacterial diazotrophs, leaving the ecological roles of non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs (NCDs) poorly resolved. Here, we investigate the diazotrophic community across different primary productivity phases (productive and post-productive) and within distinct particle fractions (suspended and sinking) across the Northern Baltic Proper, Gulf of Finland, and Gulf of Bothnia. Using nifH gene amplicon sequencing, we show that NCDs dominate the diazotrophic community, accounting for 81%-100% of all sequences, whereas filamentous cyanobacteria contribute up to 19% and are largely restricted to the post-productive phase. Productivity phases emerged as a descriptor for structuring the diazotroph community composition, with Thermodesulfobacteriota dominating during the productive phase (up to 64.8%) and Gammaproteobacteria during the post-productive phase (up to 77.1%). Suspended and sinking particles were broadly similar, yet each exhibited distinct taxon-specific enrichments between phases, which might suggest different ecological strategies within the major NCD groups. This suggests potential roles in aggregate-associated nitrogen fixation; such mechanisms could include polysaccharide degradation and anaerobic metabolism. Phytoplankton composition (18S rRNA) varied between productivity phases and co-occurred with shifts in the diazotrophic community, suggesting potential cross-domain interactions. Comparing across basins, we did not observe significant differences in diazotroph community composition, except for a higher relative abundance of cyanobacterial diazotrophs in the Gulf of Finland. Taken together, our findings show diverse NCD lineages inhabiting particle-associated niches, highlighting the need to further investigate their ecological significance in the Baltic Sea. Nitrogen is a key nutrient that supports life in marine ecosystems. Traditionally, nitrogen fixation in the Baltic Sea has been attributed mainly to filamentous cyanobacteria. In this study, we show that non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs dominate the nitrogen-fixing community across productivity phases. We also demonstrate that suspended and sinking particles provide habitats for these microorganisms, allowing different groups to thrive under varying conditions. We further show that shifts in the phytoplankton community co-occur with changes in the diazotrophic composition. Together, our findings reveal that nitrogen fixation in the Baltic Sea extends beyond filamentous cyanobacteria and involves a diverse particle-associated diazotrophic community. Understanding the role of these overlooked microorganisms is important for predicting how nitrogen cycling will respond to ongoing changes, such as warming, eutrophication, and shifts in plankton communities.

The aging population is transforming societies worldwide, necessitating a shift from deficit-based models of care to approaches that promote thriving, purpose, and well-being across the lifespan. The current article reframes aging as an opportunity for innovation and value creation, highlighting the critical role of psychiatric-mental health professionals in leading this transformation. Four key pillars are emphasized-reframing aging as opportunity, enhancing communication as a catalyst for change, transitioning from reactive to proactive care, and leveraging technology while aligning innovation with compassion. Psychiatric-mental health nurses are uniquely positioned to integrate mental, physical, and social care while addressing social determinants of health and reducing ageism. Through inclusive communication and system-level strategies, they can reshape care delivery and societal narratives around aging. Ultimately, redefining professional value in a longevity society requires a commitment to equity, dignity, and human-centered innovation, ensuring that older adults not only live longer but live well and thrive.

The multidrug-resistant pathogen Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) presents a persistent clinical threat. While Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) transporters are recognized as xenobiotic efflux pumps, their pleiotropic roles in pathogen physiology, particularly in stress adaptation and virulence regulation, remain largely unexplored. Understanding how C. difficile adapts and thrives in the face of host defenses and antimicrobial pressures, potentially influencing gut microbiome dynamics, is crucial for combating C. difficile infection. We functionally characterized the MATE transporter gene CD20030 (mate) in C. difficile 630. A markerless deletion mutant (&#x394;mate) and a complemented strain were constructed using a CRISPR-Cas9 system. Phenotypic assays determining antimicrobial susceptibility, oxidative stress tolerance, autolysis, and cytotoxicity were integrated with comparative proteomic profiling to assess the physiological changes. The &#x394;mate mutant demonstrated broad-spectrum hypersensitivity to antibiotics and hydrogen peroxide, indicating the involvement of this transporter in intrinsic resistance and oxidative defense. The mutant exhibited reduced autolysis; however, toxin production (tcdA and tcdB) and cytotoxicity were significantly upregulated. In soft agar assays, the mutant showed expanded surface spreading. Proteomic data identified a >10,000-fold downregulation of flagellar structural proteins (FliC, FlgC) and a concurrent upregulation of the surface adhesin CwpV. This molecular evidence indicates a "swimming-to-sliding transition" driven by metabolic stress, rather than active swimming motility. These phenotypic and proteomic shifts present a resource reallocation strategy, where the bacterium sacrifices energy-consuming flagellar assembly to prioritize survival and virulence, potentially altering its interaction with the gut epithelial surface and resident microbiota. The MATE transporter (CD20030) operates as a pleiotropic regulatory hub and metabolic sentinel in C. difficile. Its absence induces metabolic reprogramming that orchestrates a motility-virulence trade-off, linking multidrug resistance directly to bacterial pathogenesis. These physiological adaptations likely dictate the pathogen's colonization and persistence strategies within the gut niche, potentially perturbing the host-microbiome equilibrium during infection.

Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder caused by mutations affecting proteasome function. Given the absence of standard therapy, we reviewed the therapeutic potential of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK-Is) in CANDLE syndrome. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched through September 2025. Eligible studies included patients with CANDLE or CANDLE-like disease treated with JAK-Is. Risk of bias was assessed using NHLBI and JBI tools, and findings were summarized descriptively. Sixteen articles including 46 patients were analyzed. The median age was 4.5 years, and all patients presented with skin rash. Common manifestations included fever (91.3%), lipodystrophy (73.9%), failure to thrive (56.5%), arthralgia/arthritis (43.4%), and panniculitis (39.1%). Multisystem involvement and elevated inflammatory markers were frequent. Corticosteroid use before JAK-I therapy was reported in 73.9% of patients. Baricitinib was the most commonly used JAK-I (73.9%), followed by tofacitinib (23.9%) and ruxolitinib (2.1%). Primary efficacy analysis in 26 patients of full-text publications showed complete response in 42.3%, significant response 11.5%, partial response in 38.5%, and no response in 7.6%. The most common adverse events were upper respiratory tract infections and BK virus infection. &#xa0;Available evidence suggests that JAK-Is may improve clinical and laboratory outcomes in patients with CANDLE syndrome, although these findings are based on a small number of patients and predominantly low-level evidence. Infections were the most commonly reported adverse events. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish the long-term efficacy and safety of JAK-Is in CANDLE syndrome. &#x2022; CANDLE syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disease with limited treatment options and significant multisystem morbidity. &#x2022; JAK inhibitors have been increasingly used due to their role in interferon-mediated inflammation. &#x2022; This systematic review summarizes outcomes of 46 reported CANDLE patients treated with JAK inhibitors. &#x2022; Most patients showed clinical improvement, while infections were the most commonly reported adverse events.

Understanding how plants adjust to salinity is essential for the sustainable management of arid ecosystems. This study aims to examine the anatomical, ionic, physiological, and biochemical responses of Tamarix aphylla across various desert habitats. T. aphylla demonstrates adaptive strategies to survive under hyper-saline conditions. Three habitats were chosen: sand dunes, sandy plains, and saline areas. Five locations per habitat were sampled using 10&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10&#xa0;m quadrats, and soil and mature plants were collected for analysis. The findings showed that under saline circumstances, vascular bundle area (2170.97&#xa0;&#x3bc;m&#xb2;), cortical thickness (610.03&#xa0;&#x3bc;m), and sclerenchyma thickness (120.39&#xa0;&#x3bc;m) all attained their maximum values (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Ionic contents showed increased accumulation of Na&#x207a; (38.93&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; DW), Cl&#x207b; (33.15&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; DW), K&#x207a; (8.66&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; DW), and Ca&#xb2;&#x207a; (1.74&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; DW) in plant roots under saline conditions. Physiological traits decreased in saline environments, with lower amounts of carotenoids (0.039&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; FW), chlorophyll a (0.842&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; FW), and chlorophyll b (0.312&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; FW). However, contents of proline (396.12&#xa0;&#xb5;g g&#x207b;&#xb9; FW), total soluble sugars (32.62&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; DW), and total soluble proteins (1946.4&#xa0;&#xb5;g g&#x207b;&#xb9; FW), as well as phenolics (9.56&#xa0;&#xb5;g g&#x207b;&#xb9; FW) and flavonoids (3.5&#xa0;mg g&#x207b;&#xb9; DW), showed increased under saline conditions. Strong significant correlations (r&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.9) between root ionic concentrations and important metabolic characteristics were also shown by Mantel test analysis. Overall results suggested that T. aphylla demonstrates a comprehensive adaptation strategy that includes biochemical defense, ionic homeostasis, and structural strengthening, allowing it to survive and thrive in extremely salty environments.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Refractory iron deficiency anemia (RIDA) may be the sole presentation of CD in children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CD in this group of patients. This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 1 year at a tertiary care center of North India. Children aged 6 months to 14 years with refractory IDA were enrolled. Those with positive serology for CD underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and histopathological examination. Out of 65 enrolled RIDA cases, the prevalence of CD was 23.0% (15/65). Significantly higher proportion of celiac RIDA had stunting (93.3% vs. 44.0%) and wasting (93.3% vs. 40.0%) as compared to undifferentiated RIDA. Clinical features such as lethargy, refusal to feed, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, short stature, and abdominal distention were more frequent in Celiac RIDA cases. Anti-transglutaminase levels between celiac RIDA cases and undifferentiated RIDA cases were found to be statistically significant (p value < 0.001). Abnormal endoscopic findings were observed in 15 out of 23 cases (65.21%) consistent with CD, while the remaining 8 (34.78 %) had normal upper GI endoscopy findings. A significant proportion of children with refractory IDA have underlying CD, often without classical gastrointestinal manifestations. This significant prevalence value justifies the practice of testing patients with RIDA for CD.

Scientific innovation thrives on diverse problem-solving for modern interdisciplinary challenges. Neurodivergent scientists provide unique perspectives essential for high-impact discovery. We use the 'Neurodiversity Iceberg' to show how cognitive strengths drive innovative research and to offer a plan for mentors and institutions to tap into the potential of their entire scientific workforce.

Microbes are ubiquitous in the rhizosphere and play crucial roles in plant health; however, the metabolisms and physiologies of individual species in planta remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined microbial gene expression in response to the maize root environment for seven bacterial species originally isolated from maize roots. We grew each species individually, both in vitro in a minimal medium and in planta, and used differential proteomics to identify functions upregulated specifically when bacteria are grown on maize roots. We identified between 1,500 and 2,100 proteins from each species, with 20%-60% of these proteins being differentially abundant between the two conditions. While we found that transporter proteins were upregulated in all species in planta, all other differentially abundant functions varied greatly between species, suggesting niche specialization in root-associated microbes. Indeed, in vitro assays confirmed that Curtobacterium pusillum likely degrades plant hemicellulose, Enterobacter ludwigii may benefit the plant by phosphate solubilization, and Herbaspirillum robiniae colonizes maize roots more effectively when both of its type VI secretion systems are functional. Together, our findings highlight both conserved and species-specific bacterial strategies for growth in the root environment and lay a foundation for future work investigating the mechanisms underlying plant-microbiota interactions.IMPORTANCEBacteria that live on and around plant roots are important for plant growth and health; however, we still know relatively little about how individual bacterial species behave in this environment. In this study, we looked at seven bacterial species originally isolated from maize roots to understand how they change their metabolism and physiology when grown on the plant versus when grown under laboratory conditions. By doing this, we identified key strategies that bacteria use to survive and thrive in the root environment, including changes in nutrient uptake, metabolism, and secretion systems. We also substantiated some of these behaviors using lab experiments and bacterial mutants. Understanding these species-specific functions helps us learn how bacteria establish themselves on roots and interact with the plant. This knowledge is critical for future efforts to design effective microbial communities that improve crop performance and resilience.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a multifunctional organelle essential for maintaining proteostasis, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and calcium homoestasis. Rapidly dividing cancer cells driven by oncogenes, elevated translational output, increased metabolic demands, and a hostile tissue microenvironment overwhelm the protein-folding machinery of ER, leading to massive accumulation of unfolded proteins within the ER's lumen leading to chronic ER stress. This activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), a conserved signaling network mediated by three principal sensors: protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1-alpha (IRE1&#x3b1;), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), which functions to restore proteostasis or induce apoptosis under unresolved ER stress. Accumulating evidence indicates that malignant cells hijack the pro-adaptive function of the UPR pathway not only to thrive but also to promote cancer progression by invasion and metastasis. UPR activation modulates transcriptional and translational programs that contribute to angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, immune escape, and chemoresistance. In this review, we dissect how cells balance this tightrope between adaptation and cell death in the context of cancer. We also explore how UPR signaling drives angiogenesis, metastasis, immune-evasion, and chemoresistance before finally discussing its therapeutic potential.