The role of de novo evolved genes from non-coding sequences in regulating morphological differentiation between species/subspecies remains largely unknown. Here, we show that a rice de novo gene GSE9 contributes to grain shape difference between indica/xian and japonica/geng varieties. GSE9 evolves from a previous non-coding region of wild rice Oryza rufipogon through the acquisition of start codon. This gene is inherited by most japonica varieties, while the original sequence (absence of start codon, gse9) is present in majority of indica varieties. Knockout of GSE9 in japonica varieties leads to slender grains, whereas introgression to indica background results in round grains. Population evolutionary analyses reveal that gse9 and GSE9 are derived from wild rice Or-I and Or-III groups, respectively. Our findings uncover that the de novo GSE9 gene contributes to the genetic and morphological divergence between indica and japonica subspecies, and provide a target for precise manipulation of rice grain shape.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are a significant healthcare burden affecting millions of patients annually. CAUTI are characterized by infection of the bladder and pathogen colonization of the catheter surface, making them especially difficult to treat. Various catheter modifications have been employed to reduce pathogen colonization, including infusion of antibiotics and antimicrobial compounds, altering the surface architecture of the catheter, or coating it with nonpathogenic bacteria. Lactobacilli probiotics offer promise for a "bacterial interference" approach because they not only compete for adhesion to the catheter surface but also produce and secrete antimicrobial compounds effective against uropathogens. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has enabled fabrication of well-defined, cell-laden architectures with tailored release of active agents, thereby offering a novel means for sustained probiotic delivery. Silicone has shown to be a promising biomaterial for catheter applications due to mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and its ability to mitigate encrustation on the catheter. Additionally, silicone, as a bioink, provides an optimum matrix for bioprinting lactobacilli. This study formulates and characterizes novel 3D-bioprinted (L. rhamnosus)-containing silicone scaffolds for future urinary tract catheterization applications. Weight-to-weight (w/w) ratio of silicone/ was bioprinted and cured with relative catheter dimensions in diameter. Scaffolds were analyzed for mechanical integrity, recovery of , antimicrobial production, and antibacterial effect against uropathogenic , the leading cause of CAUTI. The results show that -containing scaffolds are capable of sustained recovery of live bacteria over 14 days, with sustained production of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Through the use of 3D bioprinting, this study presents a potential alternative strategy to incorporate probiotics into urinary catheters, with the ultimate goal of preventing and treating CAUTI.

Nowadays, diabetes mellitus has emerged as a significant global public health concern with a remarkable increase in its prevalence. This review article focuses on the definition of diabetes mellitus and its classification into different types, including type 1 diabetes (idiopathic and fulminant), type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, hybrid forms, slowly evolving immune-mediated diabetes, ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes, and other special types. Diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus are also discussed. The role of inflammation in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is explored, along with the mediators and potential anti-inflammatory treatments. Furthermore, the involvement of various organs in diabetes mellitus is highlighted, such as the role of adipose tissue and obesity, gut microbiota, and pancreatic β-cells. The manifestation of pancreatic Langerhans β-cell islet inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired insulin production and secretion are addressed. Additionally, the impact of diabetes mellitus on liver cirrhosis, acute kidney injury, immune system complications, and other diabetic complications like retinopathy and neuropathy is examined. Therefore, further research is required to enhance diagnosis, prevent chronic complications, and identify potential therapeutic targets for the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated dysfunctions.

INTRODUCTION: Orthopedic ankle injuries are considered among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. A wide variety of modalities and techniques have been used for the management of these injuries, and virtual reality (VR) is one modality that has been examined in ankle injuries rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to systemically review previous studies evaluating the effect of virtual reality in rehabilitating orthopedic ankle injuries.

METHODS: We searched six online databases: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).

RESULTS: Ten randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Our results showed that VR had a significant effect on overall balance compared to conventional physiotherapy (SMD = 0.359, 0.009-0.710  = 0.04), [ = 17%,  = 0.30]. Compared with conventional physiotherapy, VR programs significantly improved gait parameters such as speed and cadence, muscle power, and perceived ankle instability; however, no significant difference was detected in the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM). Additionally, significant improvements in static balance and perceived ankle instability were reported after the use of VR balance and strengthening programs. Finally, only two articles were deemed to have good quality, and the other studies' quality ranged from poor to fair.

CONCLUSION: VR rehabilitation programs can be used to rehabilitate ankle injuries, as they are regarded as safe interventions and have promising effects. However, there is a need for studies with high quality since most included studies' quality varied from poor to fair.