Tree architecture is a critical determinant of plant performance, light capture, biomechanical stability, and resource allocation. However, the multidimensional functional trait space and multiscale allometric scaling mechanisms underlying different architectural types in Malus remain poorly understood. This study investigates the multidimensional functional trait space and multiscale allometric scaling relationships among three typical architectural types (weeping, upright, and spreading) in Malus. A total of 206 germplasm accessions were analyzed by integrating nine core functional traits spanning macro-architectural, branch biomechanical, and leaf economic dimensions. Principal component analysis revealed that architectural differentiation is primarily driven by macro-architectural and branch biomechanical traits, alongside coordinated contributions from leaf economic traits. Functional diversity analysis indicated that the upright and spreading types exhibited higher functional richness, while the weeping type displayed the highest functional divergence but minimal or no functional overlap with the upright and spreading type, reflecting strong niche specialization under artificial selection. Multiscale allometric analyses demonstrated significant divergence in resource allocation strategies across hierarchical levels. At the whole-tree level, architectural types differed markedly in height-diameter and height-crown scaling relationships. At the branch level, conserved positive allometric scaling was observed, with the weeping type showing higher intercepts indicative of increased mechanical investment. At the leaf level, consistent negative allometry between petiole length and leaf area suggested optimized resource allocation for light capture. These pronounced differences suggest distinct ecological adaptation strategies: the weeping type prioritizes biomechanical compensation for pendulous branches and optimized light capture in loose canopies; the upright type emphasizes vertical light competition and mechanical compactness; the spreading type balances lateral expansion and spatial filling efficiency, reflecting differentiated resource allocation patterns shaped by artificial selection. Overall, this study reveals that tree architecture in Malus is shaped by coordinated trait interactions across multiple scales, leading to distinct ecological strategies and resource allocation patterns. These findings provide new insights into the structure-function co-evolution of woody plants and offer a theoretical framework for functional trait-assisted breeding of ornamental tree architectures.

Weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) is an important medicinal and ornamental plant. However, its tissue culture propagation is hindered by genotype-dependent performance variations. In this study, we examined the physiological and molecular basis for the inferior growth of two genotypes of F. suspensa with long style (FLS), FLS-1 and FLS-2, under tissue culture conditions. Compared to FLS-2, FLS-1 exhibited significant chlorosis, reduced chlorophyll, and underdeveloped chloroplasts with disorganized thylakoids. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct differential gene expression in FLS-1 relative to FLS-2, including 46 photosynthesis-related DEGs. Additionally, metabolomic profiling identified 563 DEMs, with significant enrichment in 15 key KEGG pathways. Crucially, abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis was impaired, with downregulation of NCED genes and reduced precursor abundance, while its signaling pathway showed alterations, including an upregulated pyrabactin resistance 1-like (PYL) receptor and dynamically expressed protein phosphatase 2 C (PP2C) genes. These findings suggested that a possible genetic predisposition in FLS-1 may interfere with chloroplast development and ABA homeostasis, which together could explain its compromised growth and physiology in vitro.

Eragrostis curvula (weeping lovegrass) is a perennial forage grass in which diploid genotypes reproduce sexually whereas polyploids display pseudogamous diplosporous apomixis. Understanding the molecular basis of this reproductive system is important for the potential use of apomixis in crop improvement. Here, we applied a comparative gene expression analysis to identify and functionally assess candidate genes associated with apomictic reproduction in E. curvula.

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.

Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) recommends that Nemluvio should be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of patients aged 12 years and older with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable if certain conditions are met.

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.