Journals
2026 EN
Mangan Anna M. · Smyser Timothy J. · Barca Nicolai
+6 more
ABSTRACT Feral pigs ( Sus scrofa ) in Hawai‘i pose a persistent threat to native biodiversity, endemic species, and culturally important resources. Polynesian pigs, or pua‘a, were brought to the Hawaiian Islands with Polynesian settlement in the mid‐1200s and represent part of the cultural legacy of Hawai‘i. Since the introduction of European pigs in 1778 and onward, the ancestral composition of contemporary animals has been debated, and conservation efforts for island endemic species have been challenged by tension between ecological destruction caused by contemporary feral pigs and the cultural importance of this animal. To inform this complex issue, our objective was to evaluate the genetic ancestry of contemporary feral pig populations across Hawai‘i to elucidate genetic remnants of past introductions. We used a high‐resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, providing a survey of the entire genome, to characterize ancestry, including hybridization of Polynesian pigs with global Asian and European lineages. We assembled a comprehensive reference set—representing the S. scrofa wild–domestic species complex—from which we queried 608 Hawaiian feral pig samples to quantify ancestral composition. Our results demonstrate that contemporary Hawaiian feral pigs have admixed ancestry influenced by European Heritage breeds and animals of Asian origin—potentially descending from initial Polynesian introductions. Importantly, we establish that European domestic lineages represent the dominant ancestral influence among contemporary feral pigs in Hawai‘i, which challenges previous claims of genetic uniqueness of these populations within the broader S. scrofa wild–domestic species complex.
Journals
2026 EN
Gray Kelsey · Edwards Harley · Doan Alexander G.
+10 more
ABSTRACT This study explores how suppressing asexual development in Aspergillus nidulans enhances the mechanical properties of mycelial materials. Using four aconidial mutants (∆brlA , ∆flbA , ∆fluG , and fadA G42R ) lacking asexual development and a control strain (A28) that undergoes typical asexual development, we found that the absence of asexual development significantly improves mechanical strength. All mutants exhibited higher ultimate tensile strength (UTS) than the control, with ∆fluG and ∆brlA (fluffy nonsporulating, FNS phenotype) showing the highest UTS. Additionally, fadA G42R and ∆flbA (fluffy autolytic dominant, FAD phenotype) demonstrated significantly higher strain at failure (SF), linked to increased autolysis and lower dry cell mass compared to the control and FNS mutants. Solid‐state NMR analysis suggests that autolysis in FAD mutants may disrupt galactofuranose‐related processes, altering cell wall composition and contributing to higher elasticity. These findings suggest suppression of asexual development increases mycelial material strength, while autolysis mechanisms influence elasticity. This research highlights the potential for genetic manipulation in fungi to engineer advanced mycelial‐based materials with tailored mechanical properties.
Journals
2026 EN
Sadeghzadeh Sina · Purger David A. · Bhanot Priya
+28 more
Abstract Objectives Pivotal trials have established the effectiveness of the Responsive Neurostimulation System (RNS® System) in treating focal epilepsy. In clinical trials, depth leads were primarily used to treat mesial temporal seizure onsets while cortical strip leads were used to treat neocortical seizure onsets. Here, we systematically analyze the safety and efficacy of stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG)‐guided depth leads to provide responsive stimulation to neocortical gray matter. Methods Patients were stratified as strong responders (>median cohort seizure reduction %), weak responders (>0% and ≤median cohort seizure reduction %), and anti‐responders (≤0%) based on percent seizure reduction at 1 year post‐implant (1‐Y). Pre‐operative T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and post‐operative computed tomography images were merged, and the Euclidean distance between the sEEG epileptic focus (sEEG‐EF) and the nearest RNS System depth lead contacts was calculated. Results A total of 87 depth leads were implanted in 55 patients across neocortical brain regions. The median reduction in clinical seizures improved from 66.7% at 1‐Y to 77.5% at long‐term follow‐up (LTFU: 2.35 ± 0.95 years), with 10 patients (18.2%) achieving complete seizure freedom. Seven patients (12.7%) experienced six serious adverse events. At 1‐Y, shorter Euclidean distance between the sEEG‐EF and RNS System depth leads predicted improved seizure outcome in strong responders ( β = −0.84, p = 0.008) but not in weak responders ( β = 0.21, p = 0.9) or anti‐responders ( β = −20.34, p = 0.11). At LTFU, there was no significant relationship between Euclidean distance and seizure reduction in strong responders ( β = 0.77, p = 0.18), weak responders ( β = 2.05, p = 0.54), or anti‐responders ( β = 0.24, p = 0.99). Exploratory analyses at 1‐Y showed nominal associations between older age ( ρ = 0.32), longer epilepsy duration ( ρ = 0.27), and non‐mesial temporal sEEG‐EFs and greater seizure reduction; however, none survived Bonferroni correction (adjusted α = 0.0027; all post‐correction p > 0.0027), and no associations were observed at LTFU. Significance In this series, neocortical depth leads for RNS therapy had favorable safety and efficacy and proximity to the sEEG‐EF drove initial outcomes for strong responders to RNS therapy. Plain Language Summary In this multi‐center study, patients with difficult‐to‐treat seizures received brain‐responsive stimulation using a device called responsive neurostimulation (RNS), which delivers small electrical pulses to reduce seizures. We focused on patients treated with electrodes placed in the brain's outer regions (the neocortex) and guided by a mapping procedure called sEEG. On average, patients had their seizures cut by two‐thirds after one year and by more than three‐quarters with longer follow‐up, with about one in five becoming seizure‐free. The treatment was safe, and closer electrode placement to the seizure source helped explain early—but not long‐term—improvements.
Journals
2026 EN
Kagula Saritha · Harte Steven · Kumbaji Srivathsa
+2 more
ABSTRACT The growing demand for minimally processed clean‐label foods has intensified interest in natural antimicrobials as alternatives to synthetic preservatives. However, very little is known about the antimicrobial potential of several wild edible plants when incorporated into food matrices. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of nettle ( Urtica dioica L.) leaf extract and as a clean‐label preservative for extending the shelf life of fresh mashed potatoes. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP values of 21.96 ± 0.76 μmol Trolox/mL, 17.51 ± 0.90 μmol Trolox/mL, and 5.93 ± 0.65 Fe(II)/g, respectively. In vitro antimicrobial testing confirmed broad‐spectrum activity, with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations indicating pronounced susceptibility of Gram‐positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereus , Listeria monocytogenes ) and notable effects on Gram‐negative pathogens ( E. coli , Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ). Cytotoxicity assessment using L929 fibroblast cells showed the extract was non‐toxic at concentrations effective for antimicrobial application. When incorporated into mashed potatoes at 0.5%–2.0% (w/v), nettle extract achieved preservative effects comparable to 0.025% commercial nisin. Treated samples exhibited significantly delayed increases in total viable counts, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, B. cereus , S . aureus , P. aeruginosa , and spoilage fungi during storage at 4°C and 25°C. Electronic tongue analysis differentiated treatment groups, revealing mild bitterness and astringency at increasing nettle leaf extract incorporation, but these effects were less detrimental than spoilage‐related off‐flavors in untreated controls. Overall, nettle leaf extract provides combined antimicrobial and antioxidant functionality, enhances microbial stability, and maintains acceptable sensory quality, supporting its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives in ready‐to‐eat mashed potato products.
Journals
2026 EN
Belé Tiago G. A. · Roosen Martijn · Loos Helene M.
+2 more
ABSTRACT Control of odor‐active compounds in polymers is fundamental for both recycling and the circular economy. Among deodorization strategies for post‐consumer plastics, washing plays a central role. This study focuses on the odor characterization of rigid polypropylene (PP) waste and the evaluation of different washing procedures for deodorization efficiency. Three washing regimes are tested, varying in temperature (25°C vs. 80°C) and medium (water vs. caustic soda with detergent). The resulting sample sets are classified as unwashed (UW), room temperature washed (RT), hot water washed (HW), and detergent washed (DW). Odor profiles are determined by descriptive sensory analysis, while odor‐active compounds are identified using gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O). Ranking of odor contributions is performed through odor extract dilution analysis (OEDA). A total of 32 odorants are detected, of which 30 are identified via 2D gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry (2D‐GC‐MS/O). Washed material exhibits flowery and soapy impressions, whereas unwashed PP is characterized by moldy notes. Hedonic ratings are lowest for UW, with statistically significant improvement observed in DW. Intensity ratings do not differ significantly across UW, RT, and DW, ranging from 7.5 to 5.5 on a 0–10 scale. These findings link chemo‐sensory methods with odorant removal efficiency, advancing deodorization approaches for plastics.
Journals
2026 EN
Ringshaw Jessica E. · Bourke Niall J. · Zieff Michal R.
+14 more
ABSTRACT The availability of ultra‐low‐field (ULF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to improve neuroimaging accessibility in low‐resource settings. However, the utility of ULF MRI in detecting child brain changes associated with anemia is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the comparability of 3T high‐field (HF) and 64mT ULF volumes in infants for brain regions associated with antenatal maternal anemia. This neuroimaging substudy is nested within Khula South Africa, a population‐based birth cohort. Pregnant women were enrolled antenatally and postnatally, and mother–child dyads ( n = 394) were followed prospectively at approximately 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. A subgroup of infants was scanned on 3T and 64mT MRI systems across study visits and images were segmented using MiniMORPH. Correlations and concordance coefficients were used to cross‐validate HF and ULF infant brain volumes for the caudate nucleus, putamen, and corpus callosum. Seventy‐eight children (53.85% male) had paired HF (mean [SD] age = 9.64 [5.26] months) and ULF (mean [SD] age = 9.47 [5.32] months) datasets. Results indicated strong agreement between systems for intracranial volume (ICV; r = 0.96, ρ ccc = 0.95) and brain regions of interest in anemia including the caudate nucleus ( r = 0.89, ρ ccc = 0.86), putamen ( r = 0.97, ρ ccc = 0.96) and corpus callosum ( r = 0.87, ρ ccc = 0.79). This cross‐validation study demonstrates excellent correspondence between 3T and 64mT volumes for infant brain regions implicated in antenatal maternal anemia. Findings validate the use of ULF MRI for pediatric neuroimaging on anemia in Africa.
Journals
2026 EN
Hawes Ella E. · Banuchi Victoria E. · Maniakas Anastasios
+15 more
ABSTRACT Background Partial laryngectomy has been well described as a management option for T1–3 laryngeal squamous cell cancers. However, there are a few case reports of partial laryngeal surgery for locally advanced thyroid carcinoma. Methods This is a case series of five patients with thyroid carcinoma (one primary and four recurrent) with laryngeal involvement who underwent partial laryngectomy. Results All patients had complete surgical resection without perioperative complications or postoperative speech or swallowing deficits, and none required a feeding tube or tracheostomy tube. No patients had postoperative radiation therapy or started systemic therapy within 2 years of surgery, while two patients had postoperative radioactive iodine. With a mean 26‐month follow‐up, only one patient had recurrence involving the larynx (cricoid cartilage recurrence at 26 months). Conclusion Partial laryngectomy should be considered for patients with thyroid cancer with limited laryngeal involvement.
Journals
2026 EN
Fournier Isabelle · Bandi Ashwini Venkata · Hamidi Sarah
+17 more
ABSTRACT Background Retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastases in thyroid cancer are rare, with optimal management underreported. Methods Retrospective study of consecutive thyroid cancer patients with RPLN metastases treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2000 and 2024. Results One hundred and sixty‐seven patients (75% differentiated, 21% medullary, 4% poorly differentiated thyroid cancer) were divided into three groups: active surveillance (AS) (13%), surgery (56%), and nonsurgical treatment (31%). In the AS group (median follow‐up 2.3 years), RPLN metastases grew a median 3% (range: 0–56) or 0.02 cm (range: 0–0.7) per year. Surgical therapy included transcervical (73%), transoral robotic (14%), transoral (12%), and transmandibular (1%) approaches. Median RPLN metastasis size was 1.7 cm (interquartile range: 1.3–2.2) at surgery. Three months post‐operatively, 11% had dysphagia and 1% had velopharyngeal insufficiency. Nonsurgical treatments included radioactive iodine (10%), radiation therapy (11%), and systemic targeted therapy (79%). Conclusion RPLN metastases grow slowly, and those ≥ 1 cm typically undergo surgical resection without significant long‐term morbidity.
Journals
2026 EN
Kaki Praneet · Lam Doreen · Sangal Neel R.
+6 more
ABSTRACT Background Free flap reconstruction (FFR) following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is commonly performed using radial forearm free flaps (RFFF). This study compares patterns of functional recovery between RFFFs and anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTFs). Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients with oropharyngeal cancer who underwent TORS with FFR (2010–2023) at a tertiary care center. A 1:4 ALTF:RFFF propensity score match was performed. Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) assessed outcomes. Results The 105 patients were included. ALTF patients had lower FOIS at 6 months (3[2.0, 5.0] vs. 5.0[2.0, 6.0], p = 0.045) and 1 year (5.0[2.0, 6.0] vs. 6.0[5.0, 6.8], p = 0.045), with higher PEG tube rates. ALTFs were used for larger defects (62.95 ± 20.25 cm 2 vs. 51.17 ± 15.11 cm 2 , p = 0.014). Donor site morbidity or postoperative complications were similar between cohorts. Conclusions ALTFs are suitable for larger defects and lead to slower early functional recovery with higher PEG tube rates compared to RFFFs, with no difference in complications.
Journals
2026 EN
Maniakas Anastasios · Wilde David C. · Fournier Isabelle
+17 more
ABSTRACT Background Segmental tracheal resection is rarely needed for advanced thyroid cancer but is among the most complex, high‐risk thyroid surgeries. Methods Retrospective study of patients undergoing segmental tracheal resection for thyroid cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2005–2024). Results We identified 120 patients with a median follow‐up of 4.6 years (range 0.02–16.38). Papillary thyroid cancer was most common (68%). The median number of tracheal rings resected was 4 (range 1–9). Seventeen (14%) patients had a new tracheostomy placed at the time of surgery, with 11 (9%) remaining trach‐dependent at last follow‐up. Twenty‐six (22%) patients had a return to the operating room within 30 days, while 3 (3%) patients suffered perioperative mortality. The more common postoperative complications included tracheostomy tube placement (10%), hematoma (7%), and anastomotic air leak (6%). Median hospitalization was 6 days (range 2–67). Locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were 79% and 77% at 5 years, respectively. Conclusions Segmental tracheal resection for advanced thyroid cancer is technically complex and high‐risk, but most patients stay recurrence‐free 5 years post‐surgery.