Digital Commons Network^™

Tc-Ptp Enhances Cordycepin-Induced Apoptosis In Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Olivia Samaie, Rodrigo Vidales, Lindsey Shim, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan, Mushfiq Hassan Shaikh, Dae Joon Kim

Research Colloquium

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy marked by early metastasis, dense desmoplastic stroma, and profound resistance to conventional therapies. Despite the development of combination regimens such as gemcitabine and FOLFIRINOX, outcomes remain dismal, with median survival under one year for metastatic cases. This underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches that target multiple pathways simultaneously. T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) is one of nonreceptor PTPs that negatively regulates oncogenic signaling pathways, particularly STAT3 and AKT, both of which are constitutively active in many solid tumors. Cordycepin, a nucleoside analogue derived from Cordyceps militaris, has …

Mthfr’S Role In Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Insights Into Precision Psychiatric Treatment, Anjana Ganesh, Nina Mourão, Elena Dike, Bharathi Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: More than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (1). Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with neuropsychiatric patients experiencing major difficulty in their daily activities. In 2021, an estimated 14.5 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year (2). Treatment options currently include therapeutic and pharmacologic interventions based on large group data, but medications often take months to years to tailor to each patient. Genetic analysis provides an opportunity for personalized medicine for this vulnerable patient population through insight into the basis …

Genetic Analysis Of Strabismus, Nystagmus, And Associated Disorders, Nafiza Meher, Mayra Martinez Sanchez, Pablo Altschwager Kreft, Anne Fulton, Mary C. Whitman

Research Colloquium

Strabismus and nystagmus are prevalent eye movement disorders that impair visual function and overall quality of life. Strabismus refers to the misalignment of the eyes, while nystagmus is involuntary oscillatory eye movements. Both may be isolated conditions or indicators of underlying ocular, neurological, or genetic causes. Although numerous genes have been associated with nystagmus related disorders, there is still much to be known regarding causes of idiopathic nystagmus. Strabismus, especially when occurring isolated, has no known genetic causes, hindering progress in early diagnosis and targeted management. This study utilizes next-generation whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to improve diagnostic outcomes, explore potential candidate …

Hnrnpk, A Potential Patient Biomarker Correlated With Lncrna Malat1 In Hepatocellular Carcinom, Mohammad Shabir Hussain, Salique H. Shaham, Veerababu Nagati, Yamile A. Anaya, Subhash C. Chauhan, Manish Kumar Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background and Aims: The liver is a vital organ involved in metabolism, and liver cancer represents a significant global health challenge, with an expected annual incidence to surpass one million cases worldwide by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, making up about 90% of cases, and remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, an estimated 42,240 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer and 30,090 deaths are anticipated in the United States in 2025. In Texas, projections …

Analyses Of Nafld And Nash Transcriptome Reveal Unique Differentially Regulated Rnas And Cellular Pathways, Karla Perez, Frida Delgadillo, Subramanian Dhandayuthapani, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Enrique Ramos, Shrikanth Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive metabolic disorder affecting the liver, which can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent transcriptomic analyses have identified pathways that may be critical in disease progression and could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. However, those studies were limited to transcripts encoding proteins, neglecting over 70% of the genome, which is composed of non-coding transcripts. Therefore, it is essential to reanalyze the transcriptomic data in an unbiased manner from normal, NAFLD, and NASH patient liver samples to identify transcripts with limited coding potential. These …

Comprehensive Review Of In Vitro Gut-Brain Axis Models In Parkinson’S Disease Research, John Nicholas Cauba, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: The pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease (PD) can be attributed to a gradually progressive dopaminergic neuron (DN) degeneration and aggregation of abnormal α-synuclein in the basal ganglia. While the classic paradigm of PD focuses on the role of neurotransmitter imbalance and motor impairments, there has been increasing scientific interest in the link between the intricate connection between gut dysbiosis with synucleinopathies and PD. This review explores the relevance of the Braak hypothesis, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in neuronal viability, and gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction through the lens of in vitro modeling.

Methods: A collection of prospective literature was conducted …

Corticobasal Syndrome With Mixed Pathology In The Absence Of Grn Mutation: A Clinico-Pathological Case Of Ftld-Tdp With Coexisting Alzheimer’S And Lewy Body Pathology, Hugo Zamarron, David Irwin, Jeffery Phillips, Edward Lee, Matthew Tisdall, Corey Mcmillan

Research Colloquium

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by often asymmetric fronto-pariteal and extra-pyramidal features that is traditionally associated with tauopathy, but pathological findings are heterogenous, including other forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and mixed pathologies of aging. We present clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of asymmetry in a unique patient with CBS and underlying FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP), co-occurring with other age-related pathologies.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with progressive cognitive and motor dysfunction including asymmetric parkinsonism, left-sided dystonia and rigidity, apraxia, visuospatial impairment, and a subtle social disorder including apathy and social withdrawal. The …

Total Synthesis Of The Marine Cytotoxic Mansouramycin And Derivatives, Aditya Dantu, Gabriella L. Madrigal, Neel Gondi, David Osazee, Ahmad Amro, Whard Alsabbagh, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Purpose: Isoquinolinequinones are a group of organic compounds which are composed of an isoquinoline fused to a quinone ring. This class of molecules is known to exhibit a wide variety of biological activities, including cytotoxic and antitumor properties. Among the many families of isoquinolinequinones are the Caulibugulones and Mansouramycins, which exhibit anticancer properties and are thus desirable subjects for cancer-related research. They are obtained by isolation from marine bryozoan Caulibugula intermis and marine Streptomyces sp respectively, however these compounds are difficult to extract. Thus, organic synthesis is being explored as a method of obtaining them; this project focuses on the …

Characterization And Purification Of Muc13 Monoclonal Antibodies: Techniques And Applications, Shabnam Malik, Daniel Zubieta, Mohammed Sikander, Sheema Khan, Murali Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: MUC13 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is critically involved in the progression of various cancers, including liver, pancreatic, colon, and ovarian cancers. Despite the recognition of its presence and significance in these malignancies, the development of specific antibodies targeting MUC13 remains limited. This study aims to produce a monoclonal antibody against MUC13 and evaluate its effectiveness in assessing differential expression related to cancer progression.

Methodology: We utilized hybridoma technology to generate specific monoclonal antibodies targeting MUC13. Mouse splenocytes were immunized with recombinant MUC13 protein and subsequently fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas. Positive clones were selected through ELISA …

Investigating Cucurbitacin D'S Efficacy In Ameliorating Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Hepatic Injury, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, Daniel Zubieta, Anyssa Rodriguez, Fathi T. Halaweish, Murali Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly linked to various co-morbidity factors, notably smoking, which introduces benzo[a]pyrene—a potent carcinogen known for its role in liver damage. Cucurbitacin, a triterpene with diverse biological activities, exhibits antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, yet its hepatoprotective effects remain inadequately explored. In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective activity of cucurbitacin D, a novel analog, against benzo[a]pyrene-induced liver injury in human HepG2 cells. To evaluate its protective effects, we conducted proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion assays, alongside Western blotting and qPCR analyses. The DCFDA assay was employed to measure intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in liver cells. …

Investigating Soil Co2 Flux Among Varying Soil Types During Inundation Conditions, Jennifer Volk, Arya Patel

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Land use change has contributed to the increase of carbon dioxide (CO₂) release, exacerbating global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CO₂ is also naturally produced in the soil via microbial respiration which breaks down soil organic matter (SOM). Several studies have investigated factors affecting CO₂ flux from soils, but few have compared CO₂ flux from a range of soil types under controlled conditions with varying water levels. This study subjected intact soil cores from six different soil types to varied periods of inundation and dry events using the same water and timing. During each event, CO …

From Imaging To Impact: A Multi-Disciplinary T32 Program Framework And Initial Insights For Training In Image-Guided Cancer Therapy, Kari J. Brewer Savannah, Stephen Y. Lai, Clifton D. Fuller, Kristy K. Brock

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

As multi-disciplinary image-guided assessment and therapies become increasingly important for precision oncology, the need for comprehensive training opportunities that effectively prepare the next generation of clinician-scientists and scientists is evident. We present an innovative, evidence-based research training framework that integrates the following critical features: 1) intentional and personalized mentoring and career development, 2) immersive research in image-guided cancer therapy, 3) strategic mentored clinical exposure, 4) structured didactic learning and professional development opportunities, and 5) mentored grant writing. Designed to foster scientific rigor, translational thinking, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, the Image-Guided Cancer Therapy T32 Training Program (IGCT-T32) aims to prepare postdoctoral fellows …

Antiplatelet Effects Of Angelica Dahurica Root Extract Without Gastric Lesion Formation In Rats, Pitiphat Srisom, Kasem Rattanapinyopituk, Uthai Sotanaphun, Rataya Luechapudiporn

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Platelet aggregation plays a crucial role in hemostasis; however, excessive platelet activation can lead to thrombus formation, contributing to cardiovascular diseases. While aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) is commonly used as an antiplatelet agent, its longterm use is associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Angelica dahurica (AD), a traditional herbal remedy, has shown in vitro antiplatelet activity and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition. However, its in vivo effects on platelet aggregation and gastric safety remain unclear.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether Angelica dahurica root extract (ADE) could inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent aspirin-induced gastric lesions.

Materials and Methods: AD was extracted …

Bone-Sparing Effects Of Pueraria Mirifica Extract On Bone Loss In Androgen-Deficient Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca Fascicularis), Thaweechai Saetae, Taratorn Kemthong, Sukanya Jaroenporn, Suchinda Malaivijitnond

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Synthetic estrogens provide remarkable benefits for bone health in men; however, they also present several drawbacks after long-term use. Pueraria mirifica, a phytoestrogen-rich herb, has garnered attention due to its positive effects and minimal adverse side effects on bone in females. Most research on bone health has been conducted on rodents; however, bone architecture and remodeling in rodents differ from those in humans, making it challenging to apply the results to clinical trials.
Objectives: Thus, this study assessed the bonesparing effects of P. mirifica extract (PME) in androgen-deficient male cynomolgus macaques.

Materials and Methods: Adult male macaques were divided …

Cytotoxic And Anti-Inflammatory Activities Of Extracts Of Pra-Sa-Ka-Phrao Remedy And Its Plant Components, Theeraphong Ninlaor, Arunporn Itharat, Srisopa Ruangnoo, Pakakrong Thongdeeying, Sunita Makchuchit, Pranporn Kuropakornpong, Settakul Boonyasakseree, Chadchom Choockong, Ninnart Intharit, Neal M. Davies

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Pra-Sa-Ka-Phrao (PSKP) is a traditional Thai remedy recognized in the National List of Essential Herbal Medicines of Thailand. It is traditionally used for treating flatulence and colic pain. It consists of eight components derived from plants with Ocimum tenuiflorum leaves as a main ingredient. However, there are no reports regarding the biological activities and chemical composition of PSKP.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate cytotoxic activities, using cell lines related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system, and anti-inflammatory activities, along with chemical composition, of the PSKP complete formula (PSKPC) and a modified incomplete formula (PSKPIC).

Materials and Methods: Two extraction …

Isocratic Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Approach To Quantify Flutamide In Pharmaceuticals, Siddaraju Chikkalingaiah, Prathima Chikkegowda, Rajendraprasad Nagaraju

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: A non-steroidal antiandrogen, flutamide (FA), has been used often to treat advanced prostate cancer. It blocks testosterone’s tendency to bind to androgen receptors inside cells in some of the target organs, such as hair follicles, the prostate gland, skin, and testicles.

Objective: The main focus of the work is to produce an economical and reliable reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography technique for the quantitative study of FA in bulk materials and pharmaceuticals.

Materials and Methods: The elution of FA was done by running a mobile phase prepared by mixing 10 mM ammonium formate-formic acid buffer (pH-4) with methanol in the …

Screening And Evaluation Of Thai Herbal Plants As Multifunctional Agents For Targeting Amyloid Β Pathogenesis In Alzheimer's Disease, Ruedeemars Yubolphan, Suchinda Malaivijitnond, Sukanya Jaroenporn

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder driven by complex pathophysiological processes. Current therapeutic strategies emphasize the development of multifunctional agents, particularly those derived from natural sources, to target multiple stages of the amyloid β (Aβ) cascade, a central contributor to AD pathology.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anti-Aβ activity of nine Thai herbs and evaluate their potential as multifunctional agents for AD treatment.

Methods: Nine Thai herbs—Caesalpinia sappan (CS), Thunbergia laurifolia (TL), Rhinacanthus nasutus (RN), Tabernaemontana divaricata (TD), Cyperus rotundus (CR), Terminalia chebula (TC), Azadirachta indica (AI), Piper retrofractum (PR), and Asparagus racemosus (AR)—were screened …

Nonlinear Dynamics Of Dust Acoustic Waves In A Dusty Plasma In Presence Of Two Opposite Polarity Dust Species, Omer A. Magzuob, Nauman Raza, Muntaha Khalid, Evren Hincal, Kottakkaran Sooppy Nisar

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

In a non-linear dynamical structure, this research presents a new analytical framework for examining the Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation in the realm of dusty ion-acoustic waves. Our objective is to produce a wide range of optical solitons at a reduced cost and time scale for evaluation by employing specific integration techniques. To achieve this, we are using two analytical approaches: the unified Ricatti equation procedure and the new extended auxiliary equation strategy. These methods help us to discover a variety of exact solutions for the governing model, including solitary, rational, elliptic functions, and periodic waves. Using numerical simulations and graphical representations, we …

Is Italy On Track? A Data-Driven Forecast For Road Transport Decarbonisation By 2030, Monica Bonacina, Romolo Consigna Tokong

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

The European Union’s decarbonisation strategy necessitates profound shifts across all sectors, with road transport presenting a particularly formidable challenge due to its sustained emissions growth since 1990. Given that Italy’s road transport sector is the third-largest consumer of fossil fuels in Europe, its role is pivotal in achieving these collective climate objectives. This study employs grey forecasting models to assess the projected contribution of alternative fuels – specifically biodiesel, bio-gasoline, biomethane, and electricity – to Italy’s 2030 decarbonisation pathway. The results suggest that consumption of these energy carriers will reach around 5 Mtoe (million tons of oil equivalent), representing a …

The Student Movement Volume 110 Issue 1: Andrews Assembles For A New School Year, Megan Constantine, Kyle Simpson, Melanie Webb, Audrey Lim, Lia Glass, Corinna Bevier, Isa Demoraes, Nicholas Gunn, Reagan Westerman, Aiko J. Ayala Rios, Samantha Woolford-Hunt, Anna Rybachek, Maya Thomas, Andrew Francis

The Student Movement V. 110 (2025-2026)

HUMANS

Human Writer Introductions, Humans Writers

Becoming Disciple Makers: A Look Into Chaplain Fetrick's Vision for Andrews Unviersity, Megan Constantine

New at AU: Professor Carrie Hess, Kyle Simpson

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Arts & Entertainment Writer Introductions, Arts & Entertainment Writers

Cut for Time: Recapping the 77th Emmy Awards, Melanie Webb

Team Conrad v. Team Jeremiah: The History and Appeal of Love Triangles in Media, Audrey Lim

The Summer of Superheroes, Lia Glass

Why I Hate the Trailer for the New 'Wutherinng Heights', Corinna Bevier

NEWS

News Writer Introduction, News Writers

Almost Anything Goes: A Night Lit in Neon, Isa DeMoraes …

Validation Of The Jefferson Health-Related Social Needs Screener, Sara Beachy, Kristin L. Rising, Richard W. Hass, Terry Hyslop, Isabella Muti, Mackenzie Kemp, Rhea E. Powell, Cara Martino, Baligh R. Yehia, Joseph G. Cacchione, Patricia C. Henwood

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

INTRODUCTION: Screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) is a growing national health priority. While multiple HRSN screening tools currently exist, none to our knowledge have been evaluated using robust statistical analyses. The goal of this work is to provide results from a validation study of the Jefferson HRSN screener conducted across inpatient and outpatient settings.

METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional psychometric study included HRSN assessments conducted across inpatient and outpatient settings with adult patients from March 2023 to May 2024. The study was conducted across a 17-hospital academic health system serving a diverse community in a 9-county area crossing two states …

Extensor Retinaculum Capsulorrhaphy And Suture Repair For Ulnocarpal And Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability: One-Year Results, Alex Mafdali, Fady Attalla

All Publications

Purpose: Persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain, often because of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, can lead to instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and the ulnocarpal joint (UCJ). Although the TFCC's role in stabilizing the DRUJ is well established, its contribution to UCJ stability has gained increasing recognition. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of combined Herbert Sling and suture repair for (UCJ) instability secondary to TFCC tears.

Methods: Eighty-eight patients (91 wrists) with TFCC tears and UCJ instability, unresponsive to nonsurgical management, underwent combined Herbert sling (HS) and suture repair. The HS technique stabilizes both the DRUJ and UCJ …

Ethnic Disparities In Thoracic Aortic Dissection And Rupture: A Retrospective Analysis Of Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Populations, Manuel Gutierrez

Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses

Background: Aortic dissections and ruptures are even more strongly life-threatening events for patients who are unable to access care promptly. A dissection can reach 50% mortality rate within 24 hours, and a rupture may exceed 90%. Risk factors such as hypertension, genetics, and age play a role in the development of these events; however, few studies have explored whether marginalized groups, such as Hispanics, experience aortic events more frequently. The primary objective of this investigation is to determine whether there is a difference in the frequency of thoracic aortic dissections or ruptures driven by ethnicity in patients from the Yale …

Impact Of Restorative Yoga On Mental Health And Cognitive Function In Doctoral Physical Therapy Students, Carly Ritter

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students experience high academic stress, often impacting mental health. Restorative yoga may reduce stress, regulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis response, and support cognitive function. This study examined its effects on mental health and cognitive function in DPT students. Forty-four students were randomly assigned to restorative yoga or control groups in a double-blind design. Participants completed the Stroop Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-8), and a demographic survey at baseline and after 6 weeks. The yoga group practiced twice weekly; controls maintained regular activity, excluding yoga. ANOVA and correlation analyses …

The Beacon, September 19, 2025, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2025-2026

Building Community with Women at NWC; New Moonlight Movies hosted by SAC; Twenty One Pilots: a decade long story; Pork ‘n’ bands cultivates joy for community; Jaws: fifty years of cinema success; “Dragons Love Tacos” premieres soon; Humans V. zombies: a chilly return; The Diverse history of Hospers Hall; The influences of then and now; University of Iowa - wave tradition; Tennis Gets It Done at GPAC Tournament; NW soccer teams’ seasons start off strong; The clash in Paris is a success for the WWE; Steggy Keggy: all fun and games; The Clash of Classes begins to struggle

Editorial: Molecular Mechanisms Of Ion Channel Activation And Modulation, Meng Cui, Miao Zhang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

"Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that regulate the passage of ions across cell membranes, thereby shaping processes as diverse as neuronal signaling, muscle contraction, and hormone secretion. Channel activation is typically initiated by a stimulus such as voltage, ligand binding, or mechanical stress that induces conformational changes and opens the channel pore. Beyond activation, channels are subject to fine-tuned modulation by a wide range of endogenous and exogenous agents, from lipids and neurotransmitters to pharmacological drugs. Modulators can stabilize the open, closed, or inactivated states, shift ligand affinities, or alter gating kinetics. Dissecting the structural and dynamic basis of …

Symbiotic Aspergillus Terreus Alleviates Drought And Waterlogged Stress In Zea Mays L., Hazrat Ali, Fayaz Asad, Naveen Dilawar, Vasila Sharipova, Imtiaz Ahmad, Abida Zeb

Turkish Journal of Botany

The interaction concerning rhizospheric fungi and plants is essential for enhancing plant resilience in the face of abiotic stress conditions. This study investigated the effects of the rhizospheric fungus Aspergillus terreus on maize (Zea mays L.) growth under both drought and waterlogging conditions. Our findings confirmed that inoculation with A. terreus mitigated the adverse effects of drought and waterlogging conditions on maize growth. Plants treated with Aspergillus terreus (A. terreus) exhibited enhanced root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight as well as enhanced chlorophyll content in plants compared to control, under stress-related conditions. Compared to the control group, A. …

Next-Generation Biotechnology And Breeding Strategies For The Development Of Biotic Stress-Resistant Sugar Beet, Songül Gürel, Mehmet Cengi̇z Baloğlu, Pinar Baloğlu, Mehmet Kolçak, Ferhat Ulu, Ömer Can Ünüvar, Mehmet Örgeç, Özge Kaya, Ramazan Polat, Cemi̇le Köseoğlu, Yasemi̇n Çeli̇k Altunoğlu, Hati̇ce Korkmaz Güvenmez, Ekrem Gürel

Turkish Journal of Botany

Sugar beet is a high-sucrose crop primarily used for sugar production, and it is now gaining attention as a promising source for bioethanol production and cattle feed. This crop is also utilized for the extraction of pectin and the production of molasses. Despite its utilization across a wide range of industries, abiotic and biotic stress factors greatly reduce the productivity of the cash crop sugar beet. In this paper, we focus on the development of biotic stress-resistant sugar beet plants through various classical and biotechnological applications. In recent decades, omics technologies, next-generation sequencing, gene editing/silencing, and overexpression techniques have been …

Advanced Deep Learning Approaches For The Accurate Classification Of Phallaceae Fungi With Explainable Ai, Eda Kumru, Fati̇h Eki̇nci̇, Koray Açici, Ömer Burak Altindal, Mehmet Serdar Güzel, Ilgaz Akata

Turkish Journal of Botany

In this study, deep learning (DL)-based models were developed for the classification of 5 fungal species from the Phallaceae family (Clathrus ruber, Colus hirudinosus, Mutinus caninus, Phallus impudicus, and Pseudocolus fusiformis). ConvNeXT achieved the highest performance with 98% accuracy, 98% precision, 98% recall, and 98% F1-score. EfficientNetB4 and Xception also performed well with 96% accuracy. In contrast, lighter models such as MobileNetV2 and MixNet S showed significantly lower accuracy (84% and 80%, respectively). Among the explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques, gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) and Integrated Gradients showed that high-accuracy models focus more effectively on biologically meaningful regions. In …

Floral Trait Diversity Supports Multiple Pollination Systems Across Urban Habitats In One Of The World's Greenest Cities, Ana Paula Sales De Araujo Franco, Maxwell Da Rosa Oliveira, Evaldo Benedito De Souza, Ingrid Lohani Degering Brand, Marcus Paulo Goncalves Rosa, Bruno Henrique Dos Santos Ferreira, Maria Rosângela Sigrist

Turkish Journal of Botany

Green cities comprise a variety of habitats subject to different levels of anthropogenic pressure, ranging from completely unvegetated areas to vast green spaces such as linear parks. In this scenario, cities can support different ecological processes and ecosystem functions, which vary qualitatively and quantitatively between different habitat types along the urbanization gradient. Specifically, green spaces and ruderal plants can support pollination services in urban ecosystems, providing food resources (e.g., nectar, pollen, oil), reproduction supports (copulation sites), and nesting sites for pollinators. As a result, plant species and their floral resources are important for pollinator diversity and the maintenance of the …