Abstract: Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is associated with congenital malformations and neuroinflammatory disorders, highlighting the need to identify host factors that shape infection outcomes. Macrophages, key targets and reservoirs of ZIKV, orchestrate both antiviral and inflammatory responses. Vitamin D (VitD) has emerged as a potent immunomodulator that enhances macrophage antimicrobial activity and regulates inflammation. To investigate how VitD shapes macrophage responses to ZIKV, we reanalyzed publicly available RNA-seq and miRNA-seq datasets from monocyte-derived mac-rophages (MDMs) of four donors, differentiated with or without VitD and subsequently infected with ZIKV. Differential expression analysis identified long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and mRNAs, integrated into competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. In VitD-conditioned and ZIKV-infected MDMs, 65 lncRNAs and 23 miRNAs were significantly modulated. Notably, lncRNAs such as HSD11B1-AS1, Lnc-FOSL2, SPIRE-AS1, and PCAT7 were predicted to regulate immune and metabolic genes, including G0S2, FOSL2, PRELID3A, and FBP1. Among the miRNAs, let-7a and miR-494 were downregulated, while miR-146a, miR-708, and miR-378 were upregulated, all of which have been previously implicated in antiviral immunity. Functional enrichment analysis revealed pathways linked to metabolism, stress responses, and cell migration. ceRNA network analysis suggested that SOX2-OT and SLC9A3-AS1 may act as molecular sponges, modulating regulatory axes relevant to immune control and viral response. Despite limitations in sample size and experimental validation, this study provides an exploratory map of ncRNA–mRNA networks shaped by VitD during ZIKV infection, highlighting candidate molecules and pathways for further studies on host–virus interactions and VitD-mediated immune regulation.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Tears (RCTs) via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is clinically challenging due to complex 3D anatomy and significant in-terobserver variability. Traditional slice-centric Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) often fail to capture the necessary volumetric context for accurate grading. This study aims to develop and validate the Patient-Aware Vision Transformer (Pa-ViT), an explainable deep learning framework designed for the automated, patient-level classification of RCTs (Normal, Partial-Thickness, and Full-Thickness). Methods: A large-scale retrospective dataset comprising 2,447 T2-weighted coronal shoulder MRI examinations was utilized. The proposed Pa-ViT framework employs a Vision Transformer (ViT-Base) backbone within a Weakly-Supervised Multiple Instance Learning (MIL) paradigm to aggregate slice-level semantic features into a unified patient diagnosis. The model was trained using a weighted cross-entropy loss to address class imbalance and was benchmarked against widely used CNN architectures and traditional machine learning classifiers. Results: The Pa-ViT model achieved a high overall accuracy of 91% and a macro-averaged F1-score of 0.91, significantly outperforming the standard VGG-16 baseline (87%). Notably, the model demonstrated superior discriminative power for the challenging Partial-Thickness Tear class (ROC AUC: 0.903). Furthermore, Attention Rollout visualizations confirmed the model’s reliance on genuine anatomical features, such as the supraspinatus footprint, rather than artifacts. Conclusions: By effectively modeling long-range dependencies, the Pa-ViT framework provides a robust alternative to traditional CNNs. It offers a clinically viable, explainable decision support tool that enhances diagnostic sensitivity, particularly for subtle partial-thickness tears.

Abstract: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a critical structural element of modern mRNA therapeutics, including COVID‑19 modRNA vaccines. Each formulation is a multicomponent system in which the LNP serves not as a passive carrier but as an active, biointeractive entity whose ionizable lipids engage directly with cellular membranes. Current evidence from cellular, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses indicates that LNPs, with or without active mRNA cargo, alter transcriptomic programs and protein expression. This suggests that, even during uptake and interaction with the membrane (transfection), the membrane serves as an initial site for inflammatory, detoxifying, and stress responses. Simultaneously, pathways involved in fat metabolism and detoxification are affected, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme systems. We believe that the phosphatidylinositol (PI) cycle is the initial point for these disorders. This cycle regulates both organelle trafficking and membrane restructuring following endocytic processes, including macropinocytosis. When this cycle is disrupted, membrane restructuring and organelle dysfunction occur, triggering downstream signaling cascades such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF- κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Janus kinase–signal transducer (JAK-STAT) pathways, and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes. Transfection with LNPs may induce a systemic condition we call lipid-nanoparticle-driven membrane dysfunction (L‑DMD), where transfection results in broader dysregulation of cellular communication, stress response, and energy balance. This hypothesis-driven review offers a mechanistic foundation for understanding the diffuse, often enduring, biological effects observed after exposure to messenger RNA LNP formulations. It highlights a needed perspective at the intracellular level and within systems biology.

Abstract: Background: Early evidence from a nursing home in Yepes (Toledo, Spain) indicated that antihistamines combined with azithromycin prevented deaths and hospitalizations dur-ing the first COVID-19 wave. Subsequent data from the Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST) showed that patients chronically taking antihistamines significantly reduced hos-pital admissions and mortality. However, a concerning rise in long COVID incidence (2–5%) after the third infection and a doubling of thrombosis rates in patients over 60 were observed. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether chronic antihistamine pre-scription is associated with a reduction in long COVID syndrome and thrombotic events. Methods: We analyzed anonymized data from the CST population (n=192,651 as of March 2025). Variables included age, gender, chronic antihistamine use, number of chronic treatments (nT), COVID-19 vaccination status, SARS-CoV-2 infection history, long COVID (LC) incidence, and aggregated thrombotic events. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using chi-square tests. Results: The prevalence of LC increased progressively with successive in-fections in the non-antihistamine group. No significant differences were found with the antihistamine group, which presented no LC cases among the 52 patients with three documented infections. Thrombotic events were significantly less frequent in antihista-mine users with at least one chronic prescription (p< 0.0001). Conclusions: Results suggest a protective effect of antihistamines against thrombotic events. While confirmation via multicenter, randomized trials is needed, a pragmatic approach using antihistamines could be considered for symptomatic patients in the early stage of infection.

Abstract:

Sosnovsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) is an invasive plant species widely distributed across Eastern Europe and Russia that poses a serious threat to human health due to its pronounced phototoxic properties. Contact with the plant sap, followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, frequently results in phytophotodermatitis characterized by erythema, blistering, ulceration, and long-lasting hyperpigmentation. The photochemical injuries are primarily attributed to highly oxygenated secondary metabolites, notably furanocoumarins, which act as potent photosensitizers and induce cellular and DNA damage upon UV activation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical distribution and invasiveness of H. sosnowskyi, the chemical composition of its biologically active metabolites, and the molecular mechanisms underlying hogweed-induced skin injuries. Particular emphasis is placed on the photochemical transformations of furanocoumarins, including psoralens and their photooxidation products, such as 1,2-dioxetanes, which generate reactive oxygen species and DNA crosslinks. In addition, the review discusses other compounds derived from hogweed biomass, including furan derivatives, aromatic compounds, fatty acids, sterols, and their oxidative products, which may contribute to phototoxic and cytotoxic effects. Clinical manifestations of hogweed burns, their classification, symptomatology, and current therapeutic approaches are critically analyzed, highlighting the lack of standardized treatment guidelines. By integrating chemical, biological, and clinical data, this review aims to elucidate the mechanisms of photochemical skin injury caused by H. sosnowskyi and to support the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: The main theme of present comprehensive review paper is the microwave-assisted heat-ing (MWH) developed in CNR SCITEC laboratories in Genoa. By modifying a domestic microwave, this technique has been used to prepare various innovative materials through synthesis, sintering, or heating (foaming or melting). These materials include inorganic compounds like superconductive magnesium diboride (MgB2), as well as organic and or-ganic-inorganic composite. The review highlights the significant improvements in en-ergy efficiency, time saving, material properties, and environmental sustainability achieved through these processes. Specific applications discussed include the rotational molding of polyethylene powders, sintering of hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds, and the preparation of cork composites for sound-absorbing panels, expanded polystyrene com-posites for building elements, and polyvinylidene fluoride piezoelectric compo-sites. Future potential applications and market demand for these technologies are also explored.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: Bacterial biofilms formed by Escherichia coli pose a significant challenge in veterinary medicine due to their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising alternative. AMPs exert their bactericidal activity by binding to negatively charged phospholipids in bacterial membranes via electrostatic interactions, leading to membrane disruption and rapid cell lysis. Methods: In vitro assays included MIC determination, biofilm eradication testing (crystal violet, colony counts, CLSM), swimming motility, and EPS quantification. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to construct and complement a kduD mutant. A transposon mutagenesis library was screened for biofilm-defective mutants. In vivo, a murine excisional wound infection model was treated with CRAMP-34, with wound closure and bacterial burden monitored. Gene expression changes were analyzed via RT-qPCR. Results: The mouse-derived AMP (abbreviation CRAMP-34) effectively eradicates pre-formed biofilms of a clinically relevant, porcine-origin E.coli strain and promotes wound healing in a murine infection model. We conducted a genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screen, which identified kduD, as a critical gene for robust biofilm formation. Functional characterization revealed that kduD deletion drastically impairs flagellar motility and alters exopolysaccharide production, leading to defective biofilm architecture without affecting growth. Notably, the anti-biofilm activity of CRAMP-34 phenocopied aspects of the kduD deletion, including motility inhibition and transcriptional repression of a common set of biofilm-related genes. Conclusions: The research highlight CRAMP-34 as a potent anti-biofilm agent and unveil kduD as a previously unrecognized regulator of E.coli biofilms development, whose associated pathway is implicated in the mechanism of action of CRAMP-34.

Abstract:

Hydrometallurgical pretreatment of pyrite-bearing concentrates and tailings by hydrothermal interaction with Cu(II) solutions is a promising route for chemical beneficiation and mitigation of acid mine drainage but is limited by passivation caused by elemental sulfur and secondary copper sulfides. Here, the effect of sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) on the hydrothermal reaction between natural pyrite and CuSO₄ in H₂SO₄ media at 180–220 °C was studied at [H₂SO₄]₀ = 10–30 g/dm³, [Cu]₀ = 6–24 g/dm³ and [SLS]₀ = 0–1.0 g/dm³. Process efficiency was evaluated by Fe extraction into solution and Cu precipitation on the solid phase, and products were characterized by XRD and SEM/EDS. SLS markedly intensified pyrite conversion: at 200 °C and 120 min Fe extraction increased from 14 to 26 % and Cu precipitation from 5 to 23 %, while at 220 °C Fe extraction reached 33.4 % and Cu precipitation 26.8 %. XRD confirmed the sequential transformation CuS → Cu_1.8S. SEM/EDS showed that SLS converts localized nucleation of Cu_xS on defect sites into the formation of a fine, loosely packed and well-dispersed copper sulfide phase. The results demonstrate that lignosulfonate surfactants efficiently suppress passivation and enhance mass transfer, providing a basis for intensifying hydrothermal pretreatment of pyrite-bearing industrial materials.

Abstract:

This paper presents a method for describing the differential equations of motion of mechanical systems using the Kuznetsov tensor. Traditional approaches to solving equations of motion rely on vector and matrix methods, but the proposed approach allows for significant simplification and generalization of problems by using a system state tensor. The paper discusses the main principles of working with the Kuznetsov tensor, which describes the evolution of the system in a unified context. Specifically, it outlines a method for integrating the equations of motion for various mechanical systems, such as oscillations in a two-mass spring system. Conditions for damping oscillations and controlling amplitude are also considered, expanding the applicability of the Kuznetsov tensor in engineering calculations. The advantages of the proposed approach include a more compact representation of the system of equations, ease of analyzing invariants and symmetries, and the ability to apply the method to multi-linked and multi-component systems. The use of the Kuznetsov tensor for modeling the dynamics of various systems represents a step toward a more universal approach in mechanics and engineering.

Abstract:

Background: Midlife is a period of heightened vulnerability to menopausal symptoms and body image concerns. However, little is known about how the experience of menopausal symptoms relates to the awareness of and attention toward internal body signals. Taking a dimensional approach, this study employed network analysis to examine how menopausal symptom domains relate to dimensions of interoceptive sensibility and body image in middle-aged women and identified the most influential and bridging features within this interconnected system. Methods: Two hundred and thirteen cisgender women aged 40–60 years residing in Ireland completed online measures of body appreciation (BAS-2), state body satisfaction (BISS), interoceptive sensibility (MAIA-2), and menopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale). Results: Attention Regulation, Trusting, Body Appreciation, and Body Listening showed the highest expected influence. Body Appreciation emerged as the strongest bridge node, connecting interoceptive sensibility, body image, and menopausal symptoms. Trusting was negatively associated with psychological symptoms, whereas Noticing was positively associated with somatic symptoms. Regression analyses showed that lower body appreciation predicted greater somatic, urogenital, and psychological symptom severity, and lower Trusting predicted higher psychological symptom severity. Older age was associated with higher somatic and urogenital symptoms, while younger age was associated with higher psychological symptoms. Conclusions: Findings suggest that body appreciation and interoceptive trust are central, bridging processes in women’s experience of menopausal symptoms. Interventions that enhance body appreciation and interoceptive trust may help reduce psychological and physical symptom burden during the menopausal transition.

Abstract:

Background: Apelin-36 may be used to identify patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are at risk for the no-reflow phenomenon. Patients presenting with STEMI were evaluated and stratified according to their apelin-36 levels. Methods: In this study, 161 patients presenting with STEMI within 12 hours of symptom onset and undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were enrolled. Biochemical parameters, including apelin-36, troponin T, creatine kinase (CK), the MB fraction of creatine kinase (CK-MB), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and other routine laboratory parameters, were measured. Blood samples for apelin-36 measurement were collected prior to PCI, centrifuged to obtain serum, and preserved at -80⁰C until being assayed. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in all patients. Thereafter, patients were divided into two groups according to their level of Apelin-36. Results: Among the 161 consecutive STEMI patients, 115 (71.42%) had Apelin-36 levels ≤0.58ng/mL (group 1), whereas 46 (28.57%) had Apelin-36 levels >0.58ng/mL (group 2). In total, 51 (31.67%) STEMI patients experienced no-reflow phenomenon after PCI: 29 (18.01%) patients with apelin-36 ≤ 0.58ng/mL and 22 (13.66%) with a value > 0.58ng/mL (p < 0.001). In terms of Gensini score, the mean value in group 1 was (70.29 (±28.76), while in group 2, it was 81.95 (±23.82) (p=0.004). Overall, a positive correlation between apelin-36 and Gensini score was observed in both groups using Kendall’s correlation analysis (group 1: Figure 2, p=0.05; group 2: Figure 2, p<0.0001). Binary logistic regression analysis identified apelin-36 and diabetes mellitus as significant predictors at the 5% level, with p-values of 0.045 and 0.036, respectively. Patients with apelin-36 levels ≤ 0.58ng/mL had troponin T levels of 290.0 (8.5-9510.0), while those with a value > 0.58ng/mL had troponin T levels of 132.15 (9.4-5190.0) (p < 0.012). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of apelin-36 was used to plot the true positive rate against the false positive rate at different cut-off points, with AUC=0.67 (95% CI, 0.57-0.76), and the cut-off value for apelin-36 was 0.58ng/mL, with p=0.001. Conclusions: Significant associations were observed between apelin-36 and no-reflow phenomenon in patients with STEMI. An apelin-36 cut-off value of 0.58ng/mL, measured at admission, could be used to identify patients who were at increased risk of no-reflow phenomenon/reperfusion injury.

Abstract:

Anxiety and panic attacks are among the most prevalent mental health challenges today, significantly impacting individuals’ lives, emotional stability, and overall well-being. Despite the availability of effective therapeutic techniques many individuals struggle to apply these tools consistently, particularly during acute episodes. This gap reveals the need for accessible, personalized, and engaging digital interventions that support both prevention and crisis management. This article presents the design, development, and evaluation of a digital solution that leverages Virtual Reality (VR) to assist individuals in managing anxiety. To maximize user engagement, the solution incorporates gamification elements grounded in psychological principles. The prototype was evaluated through usability testing and qualitative feedback from both mental health experts and end-users. The results confirmed the high usability and therapeutic potential of the approach as participants reported increased feelings of calmness and being better able to cope with anxiety issues.

Abstract: Opinion mining is the process of analyzing the content people create, such as product reviews or social media posts, to determine if the feelings expressed are positive, negative, or neutral. Twitter, one of the most popular social platforms for sharing opinions, provides a lot of data that can be used to understand public sentiment. In this project, we developed a system for classifying sentiments that begins with a detailed preprocessing step using natural language processing techniques. After the data has been processed, the tweets are represented using the traditional Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) model to highlight the most important text features.To make these features even more relevant, we introduced the Egret Swarm Optimization Algorithm (ESOA), a method for selecting important features inspired by how Great and Snowy Egrets hunt. ESOA uses three strategies—waiting patiently, actively searching, and making decisions based on differences—to find a good balance between exploring new areas and focusing on known ones. This creates a flexible framework that works well in different situations. For sentiment classification, we use a Multi-Head Attention Mechanism (MHAM) that can understand various meanings in user text. We fine-tuned the model’s settings using the Dwarf Mongoose Optimization (DMO) algorithm, along with a strategy that helps each part of the attention mechanism focus on different aspects of the text. Testing our approach on the Sentiment140 dataset shows it works very well, achieving almost 97% accuracy, which is better than other methods that usually reach between 92% and 95%.

Abstract:

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a byproduct of the kynurenine pathway, which breaks down the amino acid tryptophan. KYNA acts as an antagonist of glutamate ionotropic excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). There is evidence that KYNA plays a significant role in various pathological conditions and the ageing process. It has also been suggested that KYNA contributes to memory impairment. This study investigated the impact of L-kynurenine, D-cycloserine, and Cerebrolysin on KYNA synthesis in the liver homogenate of Helix pomatia snails in vitro and in their ganglia in vivo. Furthermore, a memory model was established using these snails, wherein tentacle shortening served as an indicator of memory activity. In vitro experiments on Helix pomatia demonstrated the significant impact of L-kynurenine and anti-dementia drugs on KYNA synthesis. KYNA levels increased significantly in the presence of L-kynurenine, a bio-precursor, in liver homogenate. However, KYNA formation decreased when anti-dementia drugs, including Cerebrolysin or D-cycloserine, were administered to the snails’ liver homogenate. L-kynurenine has been shown to impair memory in vivo in snails, but an anti-dementia drug has been demonstrated to reverse this effect. Significant inhibition of tentacle lowering was observed in response to L-kynurenine treatment, which corresponded with elevated KYNA levels in the central nervous system. Administering D-cycloserine or Cerebrolysin alongside L-kynurenine reversed its effects. The Helix pomatia memory model is a valuable tool for studying learning and memory in various conditions and in the presence of different pharmacological agents. A drug or natural extract that blocks KYNA synthesis could be considered an anti-dementia agent. It may also protect against ageing and delay damage to the central nervous system related to memory.

Abstract: Mining activities generate vast quantities of waste each year, including mine tailings, bauxite residue, waste rock, and various metallurgical slags. Although these materials have traditionally been regarded as environmental liabilities, many possess physical and chemical properties that make them promising candidates for use in construction. This review synthesizes recent research on the utilization of major mining waste streams, with particular emphasis on pavement applications and other construction materials. The findings indicate that bauxite residue exhibits both pozzolanic and filler characteristics, demonstrating potential in asphalt mastics, asphalt mixtures, and other construction products. Nonetheless, its widespread adoption is constrained by issues such as high alkalinity, leaching risks, and concerns related to naturally occurring radioactivity. Mine tailings can substitute for fine aggregates and cement in a range of mixtures, though challenges including pronounced material variability and environmental risks persist. Waste rock offers favourable geotechnical properties for use in road bases and embankments, while metallurgical slags (e.g., copper, nickel, and lithium slags) provide functional pozzolanic activity and suitable aggregate qualities. Across all waste types, their incorporation into construction materials can conserve natural resources, reduce material costs, and support circular-economy and low-carbon development objectives. However, progress remains contingent upon advancements in material standards, pretreatment technologies, environmental protection measures, and large-scale field validation. Overall, this review underscores both the significant potential and the practical challenges associated with transforming mining waste into valuable and sustainable construction resources.

Abstract: Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most studied compounds of Cannabis sativa plant that gained much interest due to its therapeutic and beneficial properties, which have been confirmed in numerous preclinical and clinical studies over the last few years. A great advantage of CBD over the other widely known Cannabis sativa ingredient, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is that CBD does not exert intoxicating and psychoactive effects, making it an attractive candidate for therapeutic applications in neurological disorders. CBD has been proven to exert anti-oxidative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects that may serve as a therapeutic promise for various neurological conditions. To date, the only drug that consists solely of highly purified CBD is Epidiolex, which is used in the management of severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Another legal medication containing CBD (however with the addition of THC) is Sativex, used to alleviate spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Besides epilepsy, preclinical data suggest that CBD alone may be potentially beneficial in treating chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, or stroke. The safety profile of CBD is generally considered favorable, as the most commonly reported adverse effects are mild (e.g., somnolence, diarrhea). However, much attention should be paid as CBD-driven drug-drug interactions have been reported. This review article aims to assess the outcomes from already conducted preclinical and clinical research exploring CBD's effects in various neurological conditions, while also addressing potential risks and concerns related to its use.

Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the mediating role of career flexibility in the relationship between strategies for coping with career indecision and career distress among university students, and to conduct a psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Career Flexibility Inventory (CFI). Method: A two-phase, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 517 Iranian university students. Phase one involved a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the CFI. Phase two tested the proposed mediation model using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a bootstrapping procedure. Findings: The CFA confirmed th)e psychometric soundness and three-factor structure (Wavering, Adaptation, Flexible Thinking) of the Persian CFI, with excellent model fit (CFI = .975, RMSEA = .036). SEM results revealed that career flexibility partially mediated the relationship between coping strategies and career distress. Productive coping was associated with lower distress indirectly through its positive effect on Adaptation (Standardized Indirect Effect = –.124), while nonproductive coping was linked to higher distress indirectly through its positive effect on Wavering (Standardized Indirect Effect = .106). Conclusion: Career flexibility is a crucial mechanism explaining how coping strategies influence career distress; productive coping enhances active flexibility (Adaptation) to reduce distress, whereas nonproductive coping fosters passive flexibility (Wavering) that exacerbates it. The study provides a validated instrument for the Iranian context and highlights the importance of designing career interventions that build adaptive flexibility, rather than merely targeting distress.

Abstract: Bacteriophages, the most abundant and genetically diverse biological entities, have much of their diversity unexplored. Wastewater systems with intact microbial com-munities serve as reservoirs for diverse phages. This study recovered complete phage genomes from rural wastewater metagenomes to assess their genetic diversity. Meta-genomic sequences from six wastewater samples were assembled, viral contigs identi-fied using PHASTEST, yielding 17 high-confidence phage genomes. These were anno-tated and compared via pangenome analysis, gene-sharing networks, phylogenetic re-construction, and average amino acid identity. Heaps’ law and UpSet plots quantified pangenome openness and gene family intersections. The 17 phage genomes encoded 30–172 proteins each, sharing no core genes. Of 1,031 gene families, 98.7% were “cloud” and 94% unique, with only 13 “shell” families in >2 phages. Most shared no genes (average Jaccard similarity < 1%), 15 appearing as isolated nodes in networks. Phylogenetic trees exhibited star-like topology, reflecting distinct paths. The pange-nome was open (Heaps’ law α ≈ 0.026), with minimal overlap confirmed by UpSet, and ancestral reconstruction indicated stable genomes with occasional gains. In conclusion, bacteriophages exhibit extreme genomic diversity even in one environment, each ge-nome largely unique, highlighting the immense uncharted phage diversity and sup-porting high diversity in varied habitats.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare, histologically heterogeneous neoplasms lacking robust molecular biomarkers. Hippo pathway dysregulation—driving YAP1/TEAD-dependent transcription—has been implicated across cancers, but transcript-level data in TETs are limited. Methods: We retrospectively profiled 26 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens by SYBR real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) among different World Health Organization (WHO) subtypes with the focus on the hippo kinase core targets YAP1, TEAD4, MST1/STK4, SAV1, LATS1, and MOB1A. Expression was normalized to the geometric mean of HPRT1and TBP and summarized as 2^-ΔΔCq [log₂ fold changes (FC)] relative to pooled normal. Group differences were tested non-parametrically. Results: YAP1 and TEAD4 were upregulated across tumors, most prominently in type A (YAP1 ≈+3.43) and B3 (YAP1 ≈+2.78) thymomas, with TEAD4 strongly increased in thymic carcinoma (TC) (≈+3.49) and elevated in type A/B3. Upstream kinases were reduced, particularly in TC (MST1 ≈−1.38; LATS1 ≈−1.34), and modestly in B1. SAV1 was elevated in type A (≈+2.25) and B3 (≈+2.01), while MOB1A remained near baseline with slight subtype shifts. Differential expression among WHO subtypes was significant for YAP1 (p = 0.003), TEAD4 (p = 0.015), SAV1 (p = 0.004), MST1 (p = 0.012), and LATS1 (p = 0.036, all Kruskal–Wallis), but not for MOB1A (p = 0.09). Conclusions: TETs exhibit subtype-dependent Hippo pathway alterations, characterized by enhanced YAP1–TEAD4 transcriptional output and progressive reduction of the MST1/LATS1 kinase module, most pronounced in TC. These transcript-level patterns support the potential of Hippo-based biomarkers and may guide future therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: This study analyzes the provisioning strategy of the European Scops Owl (Otus scops) via continuous video monitoring of a breeding pair in a Mediterranean ecosystem (N = 724 deliveries). Invertebrates dominated numerically, with Orthoptera constituting 64.6%. Although vertebrates were scarce (1.8%), they contributed disproportionately to total biomass (20.8%), with rodents alone accounting for 20.3% of delivered energy. Parental effort followed a bimodal nocturnal rhythm, peaking at darkness onset (22:00 h) and before dawn. Crucially, we found a significant predation bias towards female orthopterans (65.6% vs. 34.3%; p < 0.001). While driven by Meconema thalassinum, selection in larger species like Tettigonia viridissima evidences a strategy focused on biomass profitability. Since Ensifera biomass scales allometrically (W ~ L^2.797), selecting females yields disproportionate energetic gains. We also report the systematic removal of ovipositors prior to delivery, a behavior that optimizes intake but renders high-value females undetectable in traditional pellet analyses. These results suggest O. scops exploits artificial light sources ("streetlight traps") to maximize foraging efficiency.