Cowpea ( L.) production, genetic resources and strategic breeding priorities for sustainable food security: a review.

Cowpea is one of the most important staple crops, known for food security and agricultural sustainability. The crop has a multifaceted use, including food, feed, and soil fertility management. It is a staple food, especially in Africa and parts of Asia and the Americas, where it is valued for its rich nutritional content.

Variability of bulb morpho-geometrical properties in onion ( L.) germplasm collections, using digital imaging tools.

Background: Phenotypic characterization of onion germplasm is requisite for designing breeding programs, and for meeting industrial processing, and marketing demands. Onion bulb morphology, and geometrical properties, which are the physical and spatial dimensions and shape characteristics influence consumer and market demand, as well as suitability for processing and mechanizing post-harvest handling. Many previous studies employed manual tools such as Vernier calipers for measurement of onion bulb parameters, which is time-consuming.

Chlorogenic acid attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis by downregulating galectin 3.

Chlorogenic acid, an ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid, is found in foods such as eggplant and peaches. Its role in heart disease remains poorly understood. This study investigated whether chlorogenic acid affects cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in animal and cellular models of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Clinical Utility of Monitoring Circulating Tumor DNA Using a Targeted Next-generation Sequencing Panel in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling from peripheral blood allows relatively noninvasive monitoring of solid tumors; however, its utility post-surgery or chemotherapy in colorectal cancer remains underexplored. We evaluated the clinical implications of a ctDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel post-surgery or chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: We collected samples from 23 patients with colorectal cancer (17 men, median age 65 yrs) at baseline and post-surgery or chemotherapy at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between January 2021 and September 2023.

Garcinoic acid enhances inflammation resolution against colitis by activating Nrf2 dependent efferocytosis.

Inflammation resolution represents the most crucial step in the inflammatory response, and its disruption is associated with a variety of disorders. Clearance of apoptotic cells, namely efferocytosis, plays a pivotal role in this process by preventing the transition of apoptotic cell accumulation into necrosis and fibrosis. Garcinoic acid (GA), a plant metabolite and a postbiotics analogue of vitamin E, has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory activity, but mechanistic aspects of this effect remain poorly characterized.

Magnetic properties and electronic structure ofJeff=12square lattice quantum magnet BiErOCl.

Two-dimensional (2D) rare-earth-based square lattice (SL) quantum magnets provide a pathway to achieve distinctive ground states characterized by unusual excitations. We investigate the magnetic, heat capacity, structural, and electronic properties of a magnetic system BiErOCl. This compound features a structurally ideal 2D SL composed of Errare-earth magnetic ions.

Case report: Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis masquerading as adult ADHD in psychiatric practice.

Introduction: This case report details the presentation of a patient who initially sought consultation at a psychiatric outpatient clinic with symptoms suggestive of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); however, further evaluation revealed a diagnosis of Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis (CTX). CTX, a genetic disorder impacting lipid metabolism, is often overlooked in differential diagnoses due to its rarity. This case underscores the importance of considering alternative diagnoses in adults exhibiting ADHD-like symptoms without a childhood history of the disorder, adding to the literature on diagnostic complexities in psychiatric practice.

Characterization of the Spin-Frustration in Doubly Ordered Perovskite NaYbZnWO Obtained by High-Pressure Synthesis.

We present the high-pressure synthesis of a novel doubly ordered perovskite NaYbZnWO composed of the rare earth magnetic Yb ions and its comprehensive magnetic characterization. The structure consists of alternating layers of Yb and Na ions along the -axis, with Yb ions forming slightly distorted two-dimensional (2D) square lattices of kite-shape (Yb) units. Low-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that the ground state of Yb can be described by an effective = 1/2 Kramers doublet.

Laser-driven proton acceleration beyond 100 MeV by radiation pressure and Coulomb repulsion in a conduction-restricted plasma.

An ultrahigh-intensity femtosecond laser can establish a longitudinal electric field stronger than 10 Vm within a plasma, accelerating particles potentially to GeV over a sub-millimetre distance. Laser-accelerated protons with high brightness and picosecond duration are highly desired for applications including proton imaging and flash radiotherapy, while a major limitation is the relatively low proton energy achieved yet, primarily due to the lack of a controllable acceleration structure. Here, we report the generation of protons with a cutoff energy exceeding 110 MeV, achieved by irradiating a multi-petawatt femtosecond laser on a conduction-restricted nanometre polymer foil with a finite lateral size.

Vessel wall enhancement and high-sensitivity CRP as prognostic markers in intracranial atherosclerotic stroke: A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Eccentric vessel wall enhancement (EVWE) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are inflammatory biomarkers associated with atherosclerotic disease. We investigated their prognostic value in patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving guideline-adherent medical treatment.

Patients And Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, patients with acute ischemic stroke attributed to intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) underwent vessel wall MRI and hs-CRP testing.

Genetic Diversity and Evaluation of Agro-Morphological Traits in Lettuce Core Collection.

Lettuce () is a globally significant leafy vegetable, valued for both its economic and nutritional contributions. The efficient conservation and use of the lettuce germplasm are crucial for breeding and genetic improvement. This study examined the genetic diversity and population structure of a core collection of the lettuce germplasm using genotyping by sequencing (GBS).

YAK577 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis in Isoproterenol-Infused Heart Failure Mice by Downregulating MMP12.

Background And Objectives: Heart failure is a potentially fatal event caused by diverse cardiovascular diseases, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors positively influence cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, causing some side effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of the novel HDAC inhibitor YAK577 on the heart failure mouse model and its underlying mechanism.

The Potential of Glucosinolates and Their Hydrolysis Products as Inhibitors of Cytokine Storms.

A cytokine storm is an intense inflammatory response characterized by the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in tissue damage, and organ dysfunction. Cytokines play a crucial role in various conditions, such as coronavirus disease, in which the immune system becomes overactive and releases excessive levels of cytokines, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This anomalous response often leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and multiple organ injury (MOI).

Advancing Plant Breeding with Next-Generation Technologies: Insights from Recent Research.

Genetic resources are the cornerstone of our food supply and play a pivotal role in developing new crop varieties that ensure sustainable agricultural production amid the challenges of climate change [...

Left Hemi-Hepatectomy to Resect Metastatic Tumor of Round Ligament of Liver in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

The objective of this study is to investigate the surgical, clinical and pathological outcomes of left hemi-hepatectomy during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with primary ovarian cancer. The electronic medical charts of patients with primary ovarian cancer who received CRS including left hemi-hepatectomy from 2000 to 2023 were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed. A total of 17 patients underwent left hemi-hepatectomy for resection of a deep peritoneal implant in the round ligament of the liver during primary CRS.

as Potential Antioxidants and Anticancer Agents.

The genus plants, including onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots, have long been recognized for their potential health benefits, particularly in oxidative and cancer prevention. Among them, onions and garlic have been extensively studied, unveiling promising biological activities that are indicative of their potential as potent antioxidant and anticancer agents. Research has revealed a rich repository of bioactive compounds in species, highlighting their antioxidative properties and diverse mechanisms that target cancer cells.

Optimal Planting Time for Summer Tomatoes ( Mill.) Cropping in Korea: Growth, Yield, and Photosynthetic Efficiency in a Semi-Closed Greenhouse.

In Korea, greenhouses are traditionally used for crop cultivation in the winter. However, due to diverse consumer demands, climate change, and advancements in agricultural technology, more farms are aiming for year-round production. Nonetheless, summer cropping poses challenges such as high temperatures, humidity from the monsoon season, and low light conditions, which make it difficult to grow crops.

Cortex-to-caudate volume ratio as a predictor of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Background: Brain and cortical atrophy play crucial roles in supporting the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study hypothesized that the ratios of brain or cortical volume to subcortical gray matter structure volumes are potential imaging markers for cognitive alterations in AD dementia and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Methods: Seventy-seven subjects diagnosed with AD dementia or aMCI underwent baseline neuropsychological testing, 2-year follow-up cognitive assessments, and high-resolution T1-weighted MRI scans.

Genotyping-by-Sequencing Analysis Reveals Associations between Agronomic and Oil Traits in Gamma Ray-Derived Mutant Rapeseed ( L.).

Rapeseed ( L.) holds significant commercial value as one of the leading oil crops, with its agronomic features and oil quality being crucial determinants. In this investigation, 73,226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 95 rapeseed mutant lines induced by gamma rays, alongside the original cultivar ('Tamra'), using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis were examined.

Chitosan-GSNO Nanoparticles and Silicon Priming Enhance the Germination and Seedling Growth of Soybean ( L.).

Soybean, a major legume crop, has seen a decline in its production owing to challenges in seed germination and the development of seedlings. Thus, in this study, we systematically investigated the influence of various chitosan-S-nitrosoglutathione (chitosan-GSNO) nanoparticle (0, 25, 50, and 100 µM) and Si (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) priming concentrations on soybean seed germination and seedling growth over five different priming durations (range: 1-5 h at each concentration).

Variations of Major Glucosinolates in Diverse Chinese Cabbage ( ssp. Germplasm as Analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

In this study, the variability of major glucosinolates in the leaf lamina of 134 Chinese cabbage accessions was investigated using Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). A total of twenty glucosinolates were profiled, of which glucobrassicanapin and gluconapin were identified as the predominant glucosinolates within the germplasm. These two glucosinolates had mean concentration levels above 1000.

The incidence and predictors of antibiotic-associated encephalopathy: a multicenter hospital-based study.

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and likelihood of antibiotic-associated encephalopathy (AAE), comparing rates among the classes of antibiotics in monotherapy or in combination therapy. We also investigated the associations between the incidence of AAE and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and electroencephalogram features. Consecutive admissions that used any kind of antibiotics to treat infectious diseases were identified from six hospitals.

Unveiling Glucosinolate Diversity in Germplasm and In Silico Analysis for Determining Optimal Antioxidant Potential.

This study explored the glucosinolate (GSL) content in plants and utilized in silico analysis approach to assess their antioxidant capabilities. GSLs, present abundantly in vegetables, offer potential health advantages, including antioxidant effects. Employing Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), major GSLs were identified in 89 accessions from diverse species and subspecies.