Eragrostis curvula serves as a valuable model for studying diplosporous apomixis due to its unique reproductive mode, wide ploidy range, and extensive genomic resources. A major limitation for reproductive studies in this species is the difficulty of isolating female tissues at precise developmental stages, for example, for transcriptomics studies, since different floral tissues can introduce expression noise from non-target tissues. To overcome this, we performed a detailed cytoembryological and morphometric characterization of male and female development in seven E. curvula genotypes with different ploidy levels (2X-7X) and reproductive modes (sexual, facultative apomictic, and obligate apomictic). Using differential interference contrast microscopy and methyl salicylate clarification, we described key cytological stages of male and female development. These stages were then correlated with external floral parameters, including pistil, ovary, style, and anther length, to generate genotype-specific developmental calendars. Pistil length showed the strongest association with female developmental stage, particularly during the early phases of ovule development, enabling more precise staging. Synchrony between male and female development was also evaluated, revealing no consistent differences among reproductive modes or ploidy levels. This genotype-informed framework provides a practical tool for stage prediction and tissue selection, supporting future reproductive, developmental, and comparative studies in E. curvula and related grasses.

Forsythoside A, a natural phenylethanoid glycoside extracted from the weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activity, including antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to determine its anti-hyperglycaemic and antioxidative effects in a diabetic mouse model (created by administering high-fat diet alongside successive low doses of streptozotocin) by measuring fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, food and water intake, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes. Diabetic mice received either forsythoside A (30 or 60 mg/kg bw) or metformin (150 mg/kg) as standard type 2 diabetes medication for comparison. After four weeks of administration, forsythoside A significantly increased body weight and reduced food and water intake at both doses, while the higher, 60 mg/kg dose also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and had a similar effect on all these parameters as metformin. The higher, 60 mg/kg dose also had similar antioxidative effects as metformin in lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in elevating the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) levels. Moreover, at 60 mg/kg forsythoside A attenuated lipid accumulation in diabetic mice by elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lowering total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), showing comparable effect to metformin. Similar improvements were observed by histopathological changes in the liver. Forsythoside A also lowered insulin levels in diabetic mice by up-regulating p-IRS-1 and inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by lowering the expressions of the p-p38 and p-JNK proteins. At the same time, it promoted the Nrf2 pathway by increasing Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions relative to untreated diabetic mice. In conclusion, forsythoside A demonstrated therapeutic effects akin to those of 150 mg/kg metformin and may be a promising candidate for clinical application.

Gathering and consumption of wild edible mushrooms are traditional practices in Mexico, influenced by the local culture of indigenous communities. In the Mestiza community of El Salto, municipality of Puente de Ixtla, Morelos, Mexico, traditional knowledge promotes the use and management of natural resources for meeting nutritional, economic, social, cultural, and environmental needs. Main mushroom species are gathered in the community for consumptions or marketing, involving women and men in the processes of collecting, consuming, cleaning, and selling. The traditional consumption of mushrooms supported healthy eating patterns, and Lactarius volemus was found to be a species of the most cultural importance (i.e., the highest frequency of mentioning in the interviews). Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of L. volemus extracts were analyzed and described. L. volemus showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 355.63 μg/mL, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity of 742.13 μg/mL, as well as bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Analyses of the minimal inhibitory concentration showed a high degree of susceptibility; the most potent minimal bactericidal concentration was 28.94 mg/mL recorded against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae. Strategies for promoting mushroom consumption in indigenous and peasant communities, based on local cultural traditions, are discussed.

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver (MCN-L) are rare tumours. We report a challenging case initially characterized as hydatid cyst. The patient underwent initial pericystectomy converted to completion left hepatectomy for definitive management. Histopathology confirmed MCN-L with focal high-grade dysplasia. Crucially, the resection specimen revealed a previously unrecognized finding: direct cyst rupture into the biliary tree, associated with bile encrustation, calculi formation, and inflammation. This case highlights that MCN-L can clinically and radiologically mimics other cystic liver lesions, necessitating histopathology for definitive diagnosis. The phenomenon of biliary communication and its sequelae are not readily accounted for in the current World Health Organization essential diagnostic criteria for MCN-L. Such cases may warrant the allowance of biliary communication within diagnostic criteria, to better reflect the spectrum of this lesion and avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Complete surgical excision is the mainstay of therapy, with long-term surveillance being essential, particularly in neoplasms with high-grade dysplasia.

Three willow rust fungi, Melampsora babylonicae, M. coleosporioides, and M. ferrinii, are morphologically similar and share comparable host associations. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed that M. coleosporioides and M. ferrinii are taxonomically indistinguishable, whereas M. babylonicae is phylogenetically distinct and is therefore provisionally treated as a separate species. As a result, M. ferrinii is synonymized with M. coleosporioides and the description of M. coleosporioides is accordingly emended. The life cycle, host plant range, and geographic distribution of this rust fungus are described and discussed based on existing literature.

The urgent need to combat climate change has heightened efforts to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, particularly from industrial sources such as power plants and the transportation sector. Therefore, decarbonization is necessary, yet the process remains costly due to infrastructure and operational challenges. This study proposes a methodology for analyzing and improving the performance of solvent-based carbon capture systems using absorber and stripper columns. The methodology incorporates thermal and hydraulic analyses, as well as the column internal designs to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements. Hydraulic plots from the column internal designs of trays or packing height determine whether the operations fall within feasible regions and avoid problems like flooding and weeping. Thermal analysis uses column-targeting tools to produce column grand composite curves and exergy loss profiles, which reveal energy efficiency throughout the column. Hydraulic analysis compares thermodynamic ideal minimum flow, hydraulic maximum flow, and actual flow to assess the performance of the columns. The methodology is applied to a system using diethanolamine as the solvent to perform a comprehensive assessment of the performance of the columns in carbon capture. Results demonstrate that the proposed methodology may identify performance shortcomings and suggest modifications for improving energy efficiency and tray or packing performance and hence lowering the costs of carbon capture systems.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a clinical disorder that manifests due to severe zinc deficiency, which can be either genetic or acquired. The acquired form has been reported in patients with poor dietary intake, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, malabsorption syndrome, sickle cell anemia, or chronic renal failure, which usually presents at a later stage in life and has similar clinical features to the inherited defect. On the other hand, the genetic form is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by periorificial dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea caused by a defect in the SLC39A4 gene located on human chromosome 8, band 8q24.3, which impairs zinc absorption in the small intestine. Zinc is necessary for the functioning of many regulatory genes and enzymes; its deficiency presents with diverse manifestations in childhood, most commonly. Genetic testing is usually not available in many places, so the diagnosis is made clinically, along with measurement of zinc levels in serum or hair, and replenishing with supplements as soon as possible. This case report also depicts a case of inherited acrodermatitis enteropathica in an infant, which was managed successfully with zinc supplementation.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum is a rare condition that usually affects the mouth mucosa, tongue, axilla, groin, and proximal arms and legs. Vulvar involvement is uncommon and understudied, with no standardized treatment guidelines available. Lymphangioma circumscriptum is characterized by benign dilation of lymphatic channels in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, resulting in weeping and painful vesicular-appearing growths. In this report, we present a unique case of a 50-year-old female with acquired lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva complicated by recurrent, painful vulvar papules. She elected for CO2 laser ablation treatment with successful cosmetic and symptomatic results. Despite the limited research and treatments available for lymphangioma circumscriptum, vulvar laser ablation appears to be a potentially safe and effective option.

In her book Death Without Weeping (1992), Nancy Scheper-Hughes coined the term "liberation medicine," which aims to place the individual experience of illness in a larger social context and use it as a starting point for critical thinking and resistance. Illness, so the basic premise of liberation medicine, is a form of resistance that can be turned into an effective political strategy. Accordingly, medicine is understood to have the potential for a "critical practice of freedom" that can create spaces for patients and medical staff in which new ways of dealing with human suffering are negotiated. Taking Scheper-Hughes's reflections as a starting point, this editorial introduction to the special section conceptually develops the notion of liberation medicine, outlines how it relates to similar concepts and debates, and sketches what it might mean in the contemporary era. We argue that radically rethinking health and health care is a powerful way to rethink, and change, society at large. In this sense, we understand liberation medicine, following Wilder (2022), as a "concrete utopia."

The branchiooculofacial syndrome (BOFS) is characterized by: branchial (cervical or infra- or supra-auricular) skin defects that range from barely perceptible thin skin or hair patch to erythematous "hemangiomatous" lesions to large weeping erosions; ocular anomalies that can include microphthalmia, anophthalmia, coloboma, and nasolacrimal duct stenosis/atresia; and facial anomalies that can include ocular hypertelorism or telecanthus, broad nasal tip, upslanted palpebral fissures, cleft lip or prominent philtral pillars that give the appearance of a repaired cleft lip (formerly called "pseudocleft lip") with or without cleft palate, upper lip pits, and lower facial weakness (asymmetric crying face or partial 7th cranial nerve weakness). Malformed and prominent pinnae and hearing loss from inner ear and/or petrous bone anomalies are common. Intellect is usually normal.

Prolonged and repeated exposure of the skin to urine and/or faeces may lead to incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). IAD is an irritant contact dermatitis characterised by pain, erythema, maceration, erosion, scaling and very often associated with secondary infection. Older adults who are incontinent are at high IAD risk. Several differential diagnoses must be separated from IAD, with allergic contact dermatitis being the most common in older people. The main prevention and treatment principles are to reduce or to avoid the exposure of the skin to urine and stool. The type of incontinence should be assessed first and strategies to enhance continence implemented. Especially in older adults, high absorbency incontinence products should be used and changed regularly to reduce overhydration of the epidermis. Protective skin care products and mild cleansing should be applied. Weeping erosions, excoriations or infection should be treated with appropriate topical products. The short-term and controlled use of corticosteroids or external urine or stool collection devices or indwelling urinary catheters might be considered in severe cases. Owing to demographic changes, the management of incontinence and associated IAD will become more important. This will be especially relevant in primary care for older adults.

Introduction: Herpes labialis, commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, affects millions globally and is traditionally managed with nucleoside antiviral drugs. However, increasing interest in complementary and integrative therapies has led to the exploration of topical herbal treatments as potential alternatives or adjuncts in managing this condition. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations, with prior registration. A comprehensive search of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed from inception to June 17, 2024. After screening 7,386 nonduplicate records and assessing 346 full-text articles, 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) encompassing 1,250 patients were included. Data were extracted regarding intervention types, outcomes, and adverse events, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results: The included studies evaluated topical formulations of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), olive leaf extract (Olea europaea L.), propolis, and a combined sage-rhubarb cream (Salvia officinalis L., Rheum palmatum L., and Rheum officinale Baill.). Lemon balm preparations consistently reduced pain intensity and swelling, with some studies also reporting a significant decrease in lesion size compared with placebo or acyclovir. Olive leaf extract demonstrated a statistically significant faster improvement in symptoms and a shorter healing time compared with acyclovir. Compared with acyclovir, propolis formulations significantly shortened the median time to lesion encrustation and complete healing compared with acyclovir, and the combined sage-rhubarb cream showed a comparable efficacy to acyclovir in mean healing time. Overall, the risk of bias was judged to be low in two trials, while five trials raised some concerns. The total sample size across studies was small, potentially limiting the generalizability of the results. Across all studies, adverse events were minimal or absent. Discussion: The findings indicate that topical herbal therapies may provide effective and well-tolerated alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antiviral treatments for herpes labialis. However, considerable heterogeneity in intervention protocols and outcome measures, as well as the underrepresentation of pediatric populations, limit the generalizability of these findings. Conclusion: Topical herbal interventions, including lemon balm, olive leaf extract, propolis, and sage-rhubarb formulations, demonstrate potential benefits in managing herpes labialis with favorable safety profiles. Future well-designed, large-scale RCTs employing standardized methodologies are necessary to confirm these findings and to establish optimal treatment protocols for diverse patient populations (Inplasy protocol number: 202350038).