The aim of this study was to systematically review the neuroimmunology literature to determine the average immune cell counts reported by flow cytometry in wild-type (WT) homogenized mouse brains.Mouse models of gene dysfunction are widely used to study age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The importance of the neuroimmune system in these multifactorial disorders has become increasingly evident, and methods to quantify resident and infiltrating immune cells in the brain, including flow cytometry, are necessary. However, there appears to be no consensus on the best approach to perform flow cytometry or quantify/report immune cell counts. The development of more standardized methods would accelerate neuroimmune discovery and validation by meta-analysis.There has not yet been a systematic review of ‘neuroimmunology’ by ‘flow cytometry’ via examination of the PROSPERO registry. A protocol for a systematic review was subsequently based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using the Studies, Data, Methods, and Outcomes (SDMO) criteria. Literature searches were conducted in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. From that search, 900 candidate studies were identified, and 437 studies were assessed for eligibility based on formal exclusion criteria.+ microglia, bulk CD4+ T cells, and bulk CD8+ T cells.Out of the 437 studies reviewed, 58 were eligible for inclusion and comparative analysis. Each study assessed immune cell subsets within homogenized mouse brains and used flow cytometry. Nonetheless, there was considerable variability in the methods, data analysis, reporting, and results. Descriptive statistics have been presented on the study designs and results, including medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs) and overall means with standard deviations (SD) for specific immune cell counts and their relative proportions, within and between studies. A total of 58 studies reported the most abundant immune cells within the brains were TMEM119Experiments to conduct and report flow cytometry data, derived from WT homogenized mouse brains, would benefit from a more standardized approach. While within-study comparisons are valid, the variability in methods of counting of immune cell populations is too broad for meta-analysis. The inclusion of a minimal protocol with more detailed methods, controls, and standards could enable this nascent field to compare results across studies. Some Specifically, brain resident immune cells, including microglia and astrocytes, have been comprehensively examined in many mouse models of neurologic disorders –10. HoweTechnologic developments for single-cell isolation and analysis, including single-cell RNAseq, mass cytometry (CYTOF), fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and multi-color flow cytometry-derived immunophenotyping, have illuminated a wide variety of scientific fields , 12. Of Nevertheless, flow cytometry has its pitfalls as analytic interpretation of the data depends on the user’s preference for gating and target choices . ExperimFACs and flow cytometry immunophenotyping have been insightful and widely used in basic immunology, and other scientific fields, including neurology, have begun to adopt these methods –16. Howe22.1robvis R package and Shiny web app  PROSPERO registry database, which confirmed that a review of this topic has not been previously conducted. For database searches, the following combination of keywords was used to identify eligible studies: “flow cytometry” AND “immune subset name examined in study” AND “mouse brain.” For example, a keyword search containing “flow cytometry CD4 T cells mouse brain” was used. “Immune subset name examined in study” is defined as one of the following immune cell subsets: “CD4 T cells,” “CD8 T cells,” “double negative DN T cells,” “regulatory T cells TREG,” “follicular helper T cells TFH,” “T helper 1 T cells TH1,” “T helper 2 T cells TH2,” “T helper 17 T cells TH17,” “naïve T cells,” “naïve CD4 T cells,” “naïve CD8 T cells,” “naïve-like T cells,” “central memory T cells TCM,” “central memory CD4 T cells TCM,” “central memory CD8 T cells TCM,” “effector memory T cells TEM,” “effector memory CD4 T cells TEM,” “ effector memory CD8 T cells TEM,” “effector memory T cells re-expressing CD45RA TEMRA,” “effector memory CD4 T cells re-expressing CD45RA TEMRA,” “effector memory CD8 T cells re-expressing CD45RA TEMRA,” “TEMRA-like T cells,” “natural killer cells NK cells,” “dendritic cells DC,” “B cells,” “monocytes,” “macrophages,” “M1 macrophages,” “M2 macrophages,” “TMEM119 microglia,” or “neutrophils.”.2.3Studies were selected from the search results employing the following inclusion criteria: 1) any study performed between 2013 and 2023; 2) any study that contained flow cytometry data identifying immune cell subsets and counts in mouse brains; 3) any study that reported total cell numbers or total live cell percentages for one or more immune cell subsets; and 4) any study that had WT mice or a non-treated control (when reporting on transgenic mouse models). Studies were excluded from search results based on the following criteria: 1) studies performed in 2012 and prior; 2) any study not focused on flow cytometry of homogenized mouse brains; 3) rat studies; 4) human studies; and 5) studies not reporting controls or the background mouse strain.2.4For each study, information on the mouse strain used, age, and sex was recorded. In addition, methodological information on mouse perfusion, brain extraction, and homogenization was recorded. Flow cytometry methods were recorded when the following was reported: 1) cytometer make and model; 2) software for data collection/analysis; 3) full gating strategy; 4) total cells collected per sample; 5) total live cell counts; 6) total immune cell subset percentages calculated directly from live cell counts; and 7) methods for determining cell counts and/or mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) readings.th percentile upper quartile [Q3] – 25th percentile lower quartile [Q1]) and as the combined mean with standard deviation (SD) of multiple studies (n). The “raw” total overall cell count collected per sample by flow cytometry was also reported from these studies.Studies were subsequently examined for immune cell subset counts from WT/control mouse brains directly from the main text, 2.55 collected cells. The value of cells required per sample for an accurate flow cytometry reading is stated to be between 1 x 104 total cells (minimum) and 1 x 106 total cells (maximum); hence, we used the median ; and 5) whether the methods used to determine cell counts and/or MFI readings were documented. Of the 58 studies reviewed, 35 [60.3%] included a full gating strategy   , 74, 76.+ gate) –77, 82. 3.4CM], effector memory [TEM], and effector memory re-expressing CD45RA [TEMRA]), natural killer cells (NK cells), dendritic cells (DCs), B cells, monocytes, macrophages (M1 [predominately CD86+] and M2 [predominately CD163+] phenotypes), TMEM119+ microglia, and neutrophils. Of note, the M1/M2 nomenclature for macrophages is currently being updated in the immunology field  (H1) (H17) (+ microglia (FH)  , 39–42, EG) (H1) , 40, T h1) (H17) , 45, NK 1) (H17) , 49–51, 1) (H17) –55, B ce1) (H17) –60, mono1) (H17) –67, bulk1) (H17) , 68–72, icroglia –76, and icroglia , 77–84. lia (FH)  and TEM  T cells , were st+ microglia    were not reported in any studies.We first calculated the overall medians for each examined immune subset by collecting all of the “raw” total immune subset cell counts from each of the 58 studies Figure 5studies) –76. The 1 study) . Memory + microglia    –76. The 1 study) . Subsequ3.55 cells) rather than from a sub-partition within the gating strategy . As for non-neural/glial specific immune cells, bulk CD4+ T cells (6.41% ± 6.15) and bulk CD8+ T cells (4.00% ± 5.34) were most often counted within mouse brains compared to other adaptive/innate immune cells. Overall, we were able to calculate the average percentage of immune cells found within WT/control mouse brains from the 58 selected studies. Hence, we are able to report a more reliable estimate of the immune cell composition within the mouse brain despite the wide SD.From these standardized total immune cell subset counts, we were able to determine the proportion of immune cell subsets within the brain by simply dividing the standardized count by 1 x 103.6As per the PRISMA and Cochrane criteria for systematic reviews, it is important to evaluate the risk of bias for all the cited studies , 24, 90.The overall bias of all the selected studies was deemed predominantly “unclear” (~over 50%) due to lack of reporting on specific data/methodology required to pass the “high” or “low” bias questionnaire in each study Figure 74TREM2) in Alzheimer’s disease, granulin (GRN) in frontotemporal dementia, and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) in Parkinson’s disease  and CD45-/lo . Better documentation would enable replication and more reliable and accurate results and enable subsequent meta-analysis on the immunophenotyping of neurogenerative mouse models.Once the mouse lines and homogenization/isolation methods were analyzed, we compared flow cytometry techniques and data reporting across the 58 studies. Cytometers/FACS sorters come in a variety of makes and models but essentially perform the same function and should be calibrated using universal standards , 99, 105+ CD45lo/- phenotyping. However, we favored microglia-specific markers such as TMEM119 as these differentiate microglia from other phagocytic cell types.In the 58 selected studies, we next examined the median and average count and percentages of immune cell subsets reported from WT/control mouse brains. The immune cell subsets selected –10. As e+ T cells (+/CD8+ T cells are comprised of resident memory T cells (TRM) and might be classified as an even more specialized subset   –113. Ford TEMRA) , 46–51. d TEMRA) –116. NK c review –84. Thesc review –120. Thec review –120.+ T cell subsets, T cell memory subsets, and DCs, was also assessed. Unpredictably, it appears that TH1 T cells are more abundant in WT/control mouse brains than TH2 T cells (not reported in the 58 selected studies) , although higher ratios of these subsets are also found in aged subjects, once again highlighting the importance of defining age in studies of immunity  , 40. Conimmunity . None of T cells  within W T cells , 52–55 a T cells –124.Our systematic review has some limitations. Our analysis and database search were not automated to update figures from more recent research , 126, anBias of each individual study was reported as per the guidelines created by multiple organizations that review and conduct systematic reviews –24. WithWe recommend that supplementary data should include all raw cell counts and document which data are used in the main figures and text to provide more transparency and enable reproducibility in flow cytometry experiments. Overall, there was tremendous variability in the immune cell subset counts in the 58 reviewed studies, such that the SD often exceeded the mean estimates. Hence, medians with IQRs have been provided throughout this review. This could be due to a wide variety of reasons, such as the technical skills/experience of the researcher, reporting bias, and unconsidered confounding factors. There are also methods reporting variability that can contribute toward immune cell count variance across studies, such as the following: mouse strain/age/sex, perfusion, and brain tissue processing techniques conducted, flow cytometer used, fluorescent antibodies used, and gating strategy used. Although heterogeneity in instrumentation and procedures can be unavoidable at some points and is dependent upon the facility where the research is conducted, it would be helpful to standardize some aspects of how immunophenotyping and cell counts are reported. While within-study comparisons are still valid, researchers should report more robust information about mouse parameters, brain tissue processing, and flow cytometry procedures in order to be replicated in the field. It would be insightful to compare flow cytometry results across studies, not only within them. As such, in our analysis, we have included a series of recommendations to aid the interpretation of results, reproducibility, and meta-analysis Table 1.The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found in the article/RS: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. DG: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Methodology, Writing – review & editing. MF: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.


A higher DD*  led to higher optimum thicknesses . The optimum thickness related to the ADP-ff and GWP impacts was higher, 0.04 m for the Azores and 0.09 m for Bragança. A steeper decrease in the annual energy consumption occurred for thermal renders up to 0.02 m in the Azores and 0.04 m in Bragança. Aerogel-based fibre-enhanced thermal renders had benefits, mainly from 600 DD* onwards.In this work, aerogel renders were enhanced with fibres for use in new building walls, emphasising a Mediterranean climate. The main novelty of the study relies on an integrated evaluation of the aerogel-based fibre-enhanced thermal renders from environmental, energy and economic approaches. Therefore, optimum insulation thicknesses, life cycle savings, payback periods, abiotic depletion potential from fossil fuels (ADP-ff) and global warming potential (GWP) impacts were quantified as a function of the energy consumption. The cost optimisation of aerogel-based renders enabled a reduction from 2477.4 to 1021.7 EUR∙m EquaIn Portugal, the HDD are available in the legislation  for all As a simplification, the HDD and CDD were conjugated in a single parameter for graphical representation using Equation (3). Therefore, an equivalent degree-days was considered: DD* ,51, in ), the outdoor air film thermal resistance (Rout [m2∙K∙W−1]), the energy efficiency ratio of the heating system (COP) and the energy efficiency ratio of the cooling system (EER), were based on the Portuguese legislation [The indoor air film thermal resistance   was used−1∙K−1] and the thickness (x) [m] is known for each material, allowing us to obtain their respective thermal resistances (R) [m2∙K∙W−1] using Equation (6) [in is the indoor air film thermal resistance [m2∙K∙W−1], Rw is the wall thermal resistance  [m2∙K∙W−1], Rins is the thermal resistance of the insulation material [m2∙K∙W−1] and Rout is the outdoor air film thermal resistance [m2∙K∙W−1].The U-value is calculated for the wall using Equation (5) , given ttion (6) .(5)U=1Rheat) and cooling (Ecool) per unit area of an external wall [J∙m−2∙year−1] using Equations (7) and (8)  were calculated using Equations (9) and (10), respectively [u is the lower heating value of the used energy source .The annual energy consumptions for heating EThe sum of the heating and cooling consumptions represented the total annual energy required.e) [EUR∙kW−1∙h−1] for electricity, the yearly energy use costs per surface unit area (Cuse) [EUR∙m−2∙year−1] were estimated. This includes the needs of heating and cooling seasons (Equation (11) , per unit area, was calculated with Equation (12).i corresponds to the price of the thermal insulation material [EUR∙m−3] and x to the thermal insulation thickness [m].The cost associated with the thermal insulation  method  (Equation (15)).Equation (11) was then updated to represent the energy use costs during the considered period  [EUR∙m−2] can be evaluated considering both the thermal insulation’s acquisition cost and the energy consumption’s present value (Equation (16))  were calculated by the cost difference between the uninsulated and the insulated wall through time (Equation (17)) [un and Uin correspond to the thermal transmittance [W∙m−2∙°C−1] of the wall thermally uninsulated and insulated, respectively.The savings during the solution’s service life (Son (17)) .(17)SSLins is calculated from the product between Ci and x), from which the optimised thickness (xopt) is obtained using Equation (18)  since similar energy consumption is considered during each solution service life. SES is calculated by subtracting the thermally insulated wall’s annual costs from those of the non-insulated wall [Equation (19) calculates the payback period (PP) [year] related to the application of thermal insulation materials ,86. It dted wall ,41,50. [year] (Equation (20))  and [kg CO2 eq∙m−2∙year−1], respectively.Similarly, to the thermal insulating costs, the environmental impact of the thermal insulating materials was evaluated by multiplying their thickness, x [m], by the environmental impact for each cubic meter of material . A similon (20)) ,96. The The annual impacts were multiplied by the number of years of the service life to select the optimised environmental impact thickness .


The concentrations of obtained zinc (Zn) metal after treatment with hydrochloric acid (HCl) were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Direct synthesis of ZnO on a nickel (Ni) foam surface was conducted by employing the hydrothermal technique using a solution with the highest Zn content. The results showed the successful synthesis of ZnO nanorods on the surface of Ni foam with an average wall size of approximately 358 nm. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) measurements revealed that the synthesized electrode exhibited battery-type charge storage characteristics, reaching a maximum specific capacitance of approximately 867 mF·cm−² at a current density of 2 mA·cm−². Additionally, the energy and power densities of the electrode at a current density of 2 mA·cm−² were calculated as 19.3 mWh·cm−² and 200 mW·cm−², respectively. These results exhibited promising performance of the single-component electrode, outperforming the existing counterparts reported in the literature.The synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) was accomplished from zinc borate (Zn Supercapacitors are energy storage devices in which large amounts of electrical energy can be stored . They ha−1) [−1, exceptionally well as a supercapacitor electrode material [−2 at a current density of 1 mA·cm−2 [−2. Kalpana et al. reported the fabrication of a ZnO/Carbon aerogel composite electrode, achieving a Cs value of 500 F·g−1 in a 6 M KOH solution [−1 [−1 for ZnO/AC nanocomposite electrodes [Among metal oxides, ZnO is a commonly used electrode material in supercapacitors. Supercapacitors function as electrodes using ZnO, undergoing oxidation and reduction reactions with ions present in the solution while also facilitating the adsorption of these ions on their surface to enable charge–discharge processes ,13. The −1) . Its geomaterial ,18,19. I mA·cm−2 . Howeversolution . Similartion [−1 . Selvakuectrodes . These r−1 at a density of 2 A·g−1. Zhang et al., on the other hand, fabricated electrodes with thin-walled ZnO nanoplate geometry using the electrodeposition method without using a binder [−1 at a current density of 3 A·g−1, the graphene-modified electrode showed a specific capacitance of 291 F·g−1. Jayachandiran et al. synthesized graphene oxide-modified ZnO nanoparticles using a specialized ultrasonication-assisted method [−1. These studies demonstrate that the specific capacitance (Cs) of pure ZnO remains around 200 F·g−1. Despite attempts to enhance it by avoiding the use of a binder and synthesizing the material at the nanoscale, the results were not sufficient, prompting the introduction of secondary additives. A similar observation was made for CuFe2O4, where it was found that CuFe2O4 exhibited a notably high Cs value without the need for additional additives when they were manufactured with a very thin thickness. Therefore, it is believed that the synthesis of ZnO in a pure, thin-walled geometry would offer significant advantages. Additionally, obtaining ZnO from a mineral-based source can offer a significant advantage in terms of sustainability. In conclusion, various metal oxide electrodes, including ZnO, have been prepared for supercapacitors up to this point. However, in this study, the direct utilization of a mineral as a zinc source and its synthesis on the binder-free current collector surface through a hydrothermal method will contribute uniqueness to the literature.Xiao et al. must have taken advantage of these predictions as they planned to create a core-shell structure by coating the carbon particle surface with ZnO in the form of a thin film . They dea binder . They lad method . It was Building upon prior research, this study aims to directly synthesize ZnO on the surface of a current collector electrode at the nanoscale by extracting Zn from a zinc borate mineral source. The optimization of Zn concentration through extraction was performed, followed by the evaluation of the electrochemical performance of the resulting electrode. The syntheses were carried out on a Ni foam surface using the hydrothermal technique, employing a solution containing the highest Zn concentration. The synthesized products were analysed using various techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to examine their chemical bonds, crystal structure, and microstructure. Electrochemical characterization involved Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic Charge–Discharge (GCD) measurements in a three-electrode system. Specific capacitance, energy density, and power density of the ZnO electrodes were calculated based on the electrochemical results. Finally, the obtained findings were compared with existing literature to provide further insights and evaluation.2O3·3.5H2O) with a purity of 99% was purchased from Refsan A.S. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) with a concentration of 37% and deionized water with a resistance of 18.25 Mohm were used in the extraction process. Filtration was performed using 2.5 µm Whatman filter paper and glass centrifuge tubes. A reactor equipped with a stainless-steel outer wall and a Teflon lining was used for the hydrothermal synthesis. A current collector electrode consisting of Ni foam with a thickness of 1.6 mm and a density of 346 g·m−2, with a purity of 99.99%, was utilized. All products were used without further purification.The zinc borate mineral . During this process, the reaction described in Equation (1) was expected to occur :2ZnO·3B23BO3) to precipitate and separate from the solution. Subsequently, the white precipitates in the solution were first filtered through filter paper and then centrifuged at 3600 rpm for 15 min. The same process was repeated using 3 mL, 5 mL, 7 mL, and 9 mL of HCl. Then, the Zn concentration in the solution was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).After this process, the beaker was transferred to an ice bath and left for 2 h to allow boric acid  in pure water under high pressure and low-temperature conditions, leading to the crystalline deposition of ZnO on a substrate surface ,29. The The concentrations of Zn after extraction were determined by atomic emission spectrometers  with the flame method. X-ray diffraction  was utilized to analyse the crystallography of constituents in the electrode after hydrothermal synthesis. Cu-based Ka radiation at a wavelength of 0.1546 nm and diffraction angles from 10° to 90° were used in the XRD measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy  was also utilized to analyse the chemical bond structure, while the electronic bond structure and valence states were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy  with a monochromatic Al X-ray source (Al-K line: 1486.6 eV). The microstructure and morphology of the formations on the Ni foam surface were analysed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy  and scanning electron microscopy .2. CV measurements were performed in the potential range of 0–0.45 V. GCD tests were conducted in the current range from 1 mA to 7 mA, and EIS tests were carried out in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 0.1 Hz with a bias potential of 0 V and an AC signal amplitude of 10 mV. Following the GCD measurements, the specific capacitance (Cs) of the working electrode was calculated according to Equation (6) [The ZnO-doped Ni foam electrode was electrochemically examined through cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements using the Ametek Parstat 4000, USA device. The measurements were performed in a 6 M KOH solution using a three-electrode setup, with a graphite rod as the counter electrode, an Ag/AgCl reference electrode, and the ZnO-doped Ni foam as the working electrode. For the measurements, the electrolyte solution was transferred to a beaker, and the electrodes were immersed in it. The total surface area of the working electrode immersed in the electrolyte was 0.5 × 1.5 cmtion (6) ,34,35. [The electrochemical test results are illustrated in tion (9) .ZnO + 2p)) against the logarithm of the scan rates (log(V)) was plotted according to the equation Ipa = a × vb, where a and b are variable constants. The slope of this graph, as shown in The presence of reversible peaks in both the anodic and cathodic regions suggests favourable reversibility of the reaction, which is a desired characteristic for energy storage systems . The int−2, 605 mF·cm−2, 420 mF·cm−2, 390 mF·cm−2, and 362 mF·cm−2, as shown in −2, 13.4 mWh·cm−2, 9.3 mWh·cm−2, 8.67 mWh·cm−2, and 8.05 mWh·cm−2, while the power (P) densities were calculated as 200 mWh·cm−2, 400 mWh·cm−2, 600 mWh·cm−2, 800 mWh·cm−2, and 1000 mWh·cm−2, as depicted in Chronoamperometry measurements were carried out for galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) analyses. This allows for the calculation of specific capacity, energy, and power densities of the electrode at different current values. The results of the GCD tests are given in Frequency-dependent impedance measurements were conducted to examine the electrochemical interactions between the electrode and the electrolyte, and the results are presented in The stability measurements were performed at a current of 10 mA, and the results are presented as percentage retention in −1. To improve this performance, carbon-based additives with high surface area and conductivity were introduced. The results showed that the specific capacitance reached a maximum value of 820 F·g−1. However, it was observed that even without active materials, the capacitance could only reach around 630 F·g−1. The literature suggests that the synthesis of metal oxides with thin-wall structures offers advantages in terms of facilitating ion diffusion. In this context, carbon particles coated with ZnO in a core-shell structure as thin films also exhibited a specific capacitance of 630 F·g−1. However, all of these studies could not surpass the specific capacitance values of Fe/Cu/Ni-based metal oxide counterparts [2O4 in the literature, where Bandgar et al. synthesized CuFe2O4 with nanoflake geometry and thin-wall structure, achieving almost the highest performance [−2. However, a significant disadvantage of this electrode developed through the direct synthesis method is its low cycle life. It is believed that, similar to the other studies, the addition of carbon-like components can improve the cycle life as well.terparts ,57,58. Tformance . Buildin−2 at 2 mA, with energy and power densities of 19.3 mWh·cm−2 and 200 mW·cm−2, respectively. On the other hand, a notable drawback was observed in terms of stability, as the performance decreased to 66% after 1000 cycles. Although the stability of the synthesized electrode may require further enhancement, it showed a promising performance when compared to the existing literature, which can be primarily attributed to the synthesis of nanorods with thin walls. However, the low cyclic stability remains one of the significant issues in this study. This situation could be addressed through experimentation with different manufacturing methods or appropriate measurement conditions for the electrode.The primary aim of this study was to develop high-performance electrodes for supercapacitor applications using ZnO derived from zinc borate minerals. To achieve this, Zn was extracted from zinc borate through a hydrometallurgical method, and the solution with the highest Zn concentration was determined using AAS analysis. Subsequently, ZnO was directly synthesized on the surface of Ni foam current collectors through a hydrothermal approach using the extracted solution. Characterization of the resulting structure analyses revealed the formation of ZnO crystals with a nano-strip pattern and an average thickness of 358 nm. The electrode exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 867 mF·cm


GGE biplot analysis identified the landrace ”Xilokastro Lamias”, along with commercial cultivars “Yecora E” and “Panifor”, as suitable candidates for direct use in low-input/organic wheat farming systems to achieve enhanced productivity. In the conventional environment (C2-IPGRB), commercial cultivars showed the highest values (3.09 to 3.41 ton·ha−1). Of the landraces, only the X4 showed a high GY (3.10 ton·ha−1) while the other landraces had ~33–85% lower yield. In the organic environment (O2-IPGRB), the highest productivity was found in the commercial cultivar X5 and the landrace X4. Commercial cultivars X8 and X7 showed ~68% reduction in GY in the organic environment compared to the conventional, while this reduction was half for the landraces. Finally, the reduction in grain yield between conventional and organic environments was observed to be 45% for commercial cultivars, while it was only half for landraces. This finding confirms the adaptability of landraces to organic agriculture.Bread wheat landraces were an important source of biodiversity used in agriculture before the widespread adoption of high-yielding commercial cultivars adapted to high inputs. Could future agriculture exploit these landraces in different cropping systems in organic or lower-input environments? A two-year field trial was conducted to evaluate grain yield, agronomic performance, and grain quality of bread wheat landraces under different cropping systems, including low-input/organic/conventional environments. Significant variability was found for almost all characteristics among landraces, which makes landraces valuable sources of genetic variation for breeding programs aimed at achieving high and consistent production as well as high-quality products in low-input/organic environments. Additionally, landraces play a crucial role in expanding the genetic diversity of cultivated bread wheat and mitigating biodiversity erosion, thereby enabling crops to better withstand the challenges of low-input/organic agriculture. The landrace “Xilokastro Lamias” had the highest yield among the landraces evaluated in the first growing season (2.65 t·ha Wheat is one of the most important staple crops, which, in the last decade, has been cultivated worldwide on about 218.5 million hectares with an average annual production of 740 million tons and an average annual grain yield of 3.4 tons per hectare ,7. In GrIn the last century, the improvement of wheat has turned to the development of cultivars with high and stable yields, better product quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The achievement of these goals came through the Green Revolution and the introduction of dwarf genes into modern semi-dwarf wheat cultivars that are adapted to high-input agriculture . These new elite wheat cultivars came from a narrow germplasm pool , as breeAccording to Villa et al. , landracWheat landraces may have some advantages over commercial cultivars in organic and low-input environments because they have been selected over time for their ability to adapt to local growing conditions and resist pests and diseases without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other inputs. Commercial wheat cultivars, on the other hand, have been developed for high yields and uniformity under high-input conditions and may not be suitable for organic or low-input environments. These high-input cultivars often require more fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs to achieve their full potential and may be more susceptible to pests and diseases in the absence of these inputs.The gradual replacement of landraces by new, improved varieties has led to the removal from the cultivation of part of the traditional genetic material, contributing to the erosion of biodiversity ,17. The The narrow genetic composition of modern cultivars affects their ability to adapt. So, they are susceptible to stresses occurring in their environment. Landraces show heterogeneity and low yield in grain but show stable performance in a wide range of environments, resulting in greater stress tolerance .The genomes of modern wheat cultivars can be considered as mosaics derived from the genomes of landraces, which were selected as starting genetic material for systematic wheat breeding at the beginning of the 20th century ,20. MuchThe lack of modern wheat cultivars adapted to reduced inputs or organic farming systems has highlighted the importance of preserving and using landraces, which are generally adapted to such farming systems . HoweverIn general, landraces represent significantly wider genetic variability than modern (elite) cultivars and could contribute to expanding the genetic base of modern cultivars by contributing many important traits to cope with the pressures of changing environments due to climate change ,27,28,29From the middle of the last century to today, the yield of wheat has increased 2–2.5 times . Based oCurrently, wheat cultivation predominantly takes place in conventional high-input systems, particularly in highly developed countries. These systems rely heavily on chemical inputs such as fertilizers, weedicides, and pesticides to achieve high productivity. However, there is a growing trend towards low-input or organic wheat farming in order to reduce cultivation costs and mitigate the adverse environmental impacts associated with conventional systems. Organic farming in wheat agricultural systems involves cultivation without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or weedicides. Instead, farm fertility is maintained through practices such as crop rotation with legumes and the incorporation of green manure or animal manure. Organic farming is increasing worldwide. The European Commission (EC) has set a target of converting at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030 . HoweverThe primary objective of this study is to investigate the agronomic value and adaptability of landraces in low-input/organic environments compared to commercial cultivars. Additionally, the study aims to identify potential landraces that can serve as starting genetic material in a bread wheat breeding program targeting low-input/organic agricultural systems.First Season of ExperimentationAnalysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant differences between genotypes and between growing environments for all measured agronomic, morphological, and seed quality traits . AdditioMore specifically, grain yield (GY) was almost 2.5 times higher, plant height (PH) was ~20 cm longer, ear length either without awns (EL) or with awns (ELA) was 0.6 cm longer, protein content (PC) was ~1.6% higher, gluten index (GI) was 4.4 units higher, sedimentation value (SV) was 2.4 units higher, and falling number (FN) was 77.4 units higher, while the NS was 4.3 units less, and thousand kernel weight (TKW) was 8.0 g less in the L1-IPBGR compared to L1-AM, which is considered a low productivity environment based on previous experimentation of the former Cereal Institute of Greece.−1) compared to commercial cultivars (3.24 ton·ha−1). Among the landraces, the landrace “Xilocastro Lamias” (G10) excelled in production with a yield reaching 2.65 ton·ha−1, while there were no differences between all other landraces. In addition, the landraces had an increased PH of ~40 cm compared to the commercial cultivars. Only the most productive landrace, G10, had a similar PH to the commercial cultivars. As far as EL is concerned, the highest values (13.9–14.4 cm) had the landraces “4 Kontopouli” (G4), “Mavravani Aetoloakarnanias” (G6), and “18 Kontopouli 16” (G3), while, for NS, the landrace G10 had the highest value, as did the commercial cultivar G12.The landraces had almost half the yield , followed by “Zoulitsa Arkadias” (G2), with about 1.0% higher PC from the best commercial cultivar G12. The highest GI was observed in the commercial cultivar “Yecora E” (G11), while all landraces did not differ from the other commercial cultivar, G12. For SV, the landrace G3 showed the highest value, while for FN, the landrace “Mavragani Argolidas” (G9) had the highest value, with the majority of landraces showing similar values. Finally, the landraces with the highest TKW were “Tsipoura Samou” (G5), G2, G4, G7, and G9.pearson = −0.946 **) was found between GY and PH (pearson = −0.835 **), NS and TKW (rpearson = −0.798 **), NS and PC (rpearson = −0.710 **), and GI and FN (rpearson = −0.812 **). A medium negative correlation was found between GY and PC (rpearson = −0.658 *) as expected, between GY and EL (rpearson = −0.634 *), and between NS and PH ((rpearson = −0.611 **). On the other hand, a high positive correlation was found between GY and NS (rpearson = 0.721 **), GY and GI (rpearson = 0.745 **), and a moderate positive correlation between PH and EL (rpearson = 0.577 *), PH and PC (rpearson = 0.700 *), and PH and FN (rpearson = 0.592 *).Second Season of ExperimentationA high negative correlation  showed differences between genotypes and between cultivation environments for all measured agronomic, morphological, and seed quality characteristics . AdditioMore specifically, the conventional environment at the farm of the Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources-IPGRB (C2-IPGRB) showed 31.3% higher productivity compared to the organic environment at the same farm (O2-IPGRB) and 11.8% and 97.1%, respectively, compared to the low-input environments at the farms of the IPGRB (L2-IPBGR) and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki-AUTH (L2-AUTH). The field in the AUTH farm is considered to be of very low fertility. The tallest plants (PH) were in the O2-IPGRB environment (96.2 cm), while the shortest (83.7 cm) were in the low-productivity L2-AUTH environment. Moreover, this environment (L2-AUTH) showed a delay of ~3 HD compared to the other environments. The EL in the L2-AUTH and O2-IPGRB environments was 1.0 and 0.8 cm longer, respectively, than the mean value of low-input environments. Ears of wheat plants in the O2-IPGRB environment had 5–8 more seeds (NS) than ears in the other environments. TKW in the low-input environments was ~7–8 g lower in comparison with the mean of organic and conventional environments. The coefficient of variation (CV) for quantitative traits like GY was quite high compared to qualitative traits like TKW and HD. HD is a qualitative characteristic that is controlled by a significantly smaller number of genes compared to GY, so it has a high heritability, which is why it has a very low CV value.−1) and the landrace “Xilokastro Lamias” (X4) (2.52 ton·ha−1) followed by the commercial cultivar “Panifor” (X7) (2.47 ton·ha−1). A significant interaction was found for GY in the over-environment analysis, meaning that an ANOVA of GY in each of the four environments was necessary (−1) followed by the commercial cultivar X7 (1.66 ton·ha−1). The rest of the genotypes had ~50 to 100% less grain yield compared to X4. In the good productivity low-input environment (L2-IPGRB), the range of GY was from 1.19 ton·ha−1 [“Mavragani Aetoloakarnanias” (X3)] to 3.16 ton·ha−1 (X5). Additionally, high GY was presented by the landraces “Atheras Kerkiras 185” (X1), “Zoulitsa Arkadias” (X2), and X4 and the commercial cultivar X7, which did not differ significantly from X5. In the conventional environment (C2-IPGRB), commercial cultivars X7, “Africa” (X8), and X5 showed the highest values, 3.41, 3.25, and 3.09 ton·ha−1, respectively. Of the landraces, only the X4 showed a high GY (3.10 ton·ha−1), while the other landraces had ~33–85% lower yield. In the organic environment (O2-IPGRB), the highest productivity was found in the commercial cultivar X5 and the landrace X4. Commercial cultivars X8 and X7 showed ~68% reduction in GY in the organic environment compared to the conventional, while this reduction was half for the landraces. Moreover, one landrace (X1) showed increased GY in the organic environment.The most productive genotype in the over-environment analysis that included two low-input environments, one conventional and one organic, which was the commercial cultivar “Yecora E” (X5)  and NS (rpearson = −0.426 **), while positively low with HD (rpearson = 0.372 **) and TKW (rpearson = 0.313 **) and positively moderately with the EL (rpearson = 0.710 **) (pearson = −0.369 **) and the absence of a significant correlation between GY and NS. Finally, a negative correlation was recorded between HD and GY (rpearson = −0.400 **), HD and TKW (rpearson = −0.397 **), NS and EL (rpearson = −0.455 **) and NS and TKW (rpearson = −0.330 **), while a positive correlation was recorded between EL and HD (rpearson = 0.269 **) and EL and TKW (rpearson = 0.225 *)  . The mai0.225 *) .Wheat is a crucial crop grown worldwide on 218.5 million hectares and is one of the most important crops in Europe . It is iThis is because the grain filling period is defined as critical and has a major impact on wheat yield. Several research studies have found that weather conditions, particularly the amount and distribution of precipitation, have an impact on wheat yield ,38,39. A−1, while during the second growing season with a grain yield of 2.57 ton·ha−1 gave a similar yield to the two best commercial cultivars. Additionally, as a source of variation, it could contribute to expanding the genetic base of cultivated bread wheat and reduce the erosion of biodiversity, as the new elite wheat cultivars were derived from a narrow germplasm pool [Moreover, wheat landraces are considered an excellent source of variation in a breeding program for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, seed quality characteristics, high yield stability in low-input/organic environments, and numerous other important traits that could help crops withstand the challenges arising from environmental change caused by climate change ,43,44,45asm pool . Furtherasm pool ,47 and oasm pool ,49 and fThe lack of cultivars capable of adapting to organic conditions or low-input agriculture, despite the growing demand for organic farming in the European Union (EU), which has set a target of achieving at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030 , stems fFirst Year of Experimentation (Two Environments)Second Year of Experimentation (Four Environments)Nine bread wheat landraces, namely “Atheras Kerkiras 185” (G1), “Zoulitsa Arkadias” = (G2), “18 Kontopouli 16” (G3), “4 Kontopouli” (G4), “Tsipoura Samou” (G5), “Mavragani Aetoloakarnanias” (G6), “Hasiko Kritis” (G7), “Asprostaro Larisas” (G8), and “Mavragani Argolidas” (G9), one improved wheat landrace “Xilokastro Lamias” (G10), and two commercial cultivars “Yecora E” (G11), and “Gkogkas 2” (G12) were evaluated in two low-inputs field experiments, during the first growing season of 2013–2014. The first evaluation environment was at the Farm of the Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (L1-IPBGR) in Thermi , and the second evaluation environment was at the Farm of the Agricultural Research Station of Agios Mamas (L1-AM) (40°24′ N 23°33′ E) . The samFor the next growing season, from the 10 bread wheat landraces of the first year, 4 landraces, “Atheras Kerkiras 185” (X1), “Zoulitsa Arkadias” (X2), “Mavragani Aetoloakarnanias” (X3), and “Xilokastro Lamias” (X4), were selected according to the agronomic and quality traits evaluation of the 2013–2014 growing season. Among the 10 landraces, the landrace X4 excelled in GY, NS, HW, GI, and FN, while having the lowest value in PH. Landrace L3 had better EL, PC, GI, SV, and FN. Landrace X2 had good values in TKW, PC, and GI. The landrace X1 had good values for ELA, HW, PC, GI, and FN. Additionally, experimentation included four important commercial bread wheat cultivars “Yecora E” (X5), “Accor” (X6), “Panifor” (X7), and “Africa” (X8).L2-AUTH: Low-input environment at the Farm of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH);L2-IPGRB: Low-input environment at the Farm of IPBGR;C2-IPGRB: Conventional field at the Farm of IPBGR;O2-IPGRB: Organic field at the Farm of IPBGR, in which a rotation program with vetch and incorporation of green manure every two years is applied.2 in all experimental fields in both cropping seasons . Moreover, all experiments were established in the middle of November, while the harvest was at the end of June.It was established randomized complete block design, with four replications on plots of 3.5 mIn the second growing season, in order to evaluate the behavior of the selected landraces in different cropping systems , the experimental fields were established in neighboring fields with similar soil fertility status  and the inputs were varied. The experimentation included evaluation in four field environments :L2-AUTH:−1.In total, 20 plants were selected randomly from the non-border lines of each plot, and plant height (PH) (cm), ear length (EL) without and with awns (ELA) (cm), and number of seeds (NSD) per ear were measured. Additionally, the grain yield (GY) of each plot was estimated and expressed as ton·ha−1), was measured with KERN ALBSTADT Germany in two samples for each plot. Protein content (PC) was analyzed with Perten’s Inframatic 8620 infrared analyzer using the Kjeldahl method (N × 5.7) (ICC METHOD 159). The gluten index (GI) was determined using a Perten Glutomatic instrument (ICC METHOD 155 & 158). The Falling Number (FN) indirectly calculates the amylase activity resulting from the presence of germinated grains (ICC METHOD 107/1). The Sedimentation Value (SV) according to Zeleny is affected by both the quality and quantity of gluten and is taken as a measure of baking quality (ICC METHOD 116/1).Thousand kernel weight (TKW) (g) was measured in four samples for each plot. The test weight, or hectoliter weight (HW) . In addition, Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated.SPSS software package  was used for the over-location one-factor (Genotypes) analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the experiments conducted: (1) during the 2013–2014 cultivation period and (2) during the 2014–2015 cultivation period. The significance level of all hypotheses tested was pre-set at To determine mean performance in combination with stability across environments, a genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis ,33 was dSignificant variability for agronomic and seed quality characteristics was found in landraces through field evaluation in low-input/organic/conventional environments, showing that it could be an excellent source of variation in a breeding program targeting high and stable production and high-quality product in a low-input/organic environment. Moreover, landraces could help expand the genetic base of cultivated bread wheat and reduce biodiversity erosion, helping crops withstand the challenges of low-input/organic agriculture. Landrace “Xilokastro Lamias” (X4) was a promising starting material in a bread wheat breeding program for its high and stable yield. GGE biplot analysis revealed a landrace (“Xilokastro Lamias”) and commercial cultivars (“Yecora E” and “Panifor”) that could be directly used in low-input/organic wheat agricultural systems for high and stable productivity. Finally, the reduction in grain yield between conventional and organic environments was observed to be 45% for commercial cultivars, while it was only half for landraces. This finding confirms the adaptability of landraces to organic agriculture.


Neopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n., collected from a Robert’s tree iguana (Liolaemus robertmertensi) from Argentina. For the first time, the description of females was accompanied by the description of the male and juvenile stages. The morphology of all post-embryonic stages of this species was analyzed in detail using scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis to determine its position within the genus and created an updated identification key for all Neopterygosoma species. The findings show that N. robertmertensi sp. n. is a part of the chilensis group and is a sister taxon to all Neopterygosoma spp. collected from Liolaemus pictus and L. chiliensis.This research presents a description of a new ectoparasitic scale-mite species, Neopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n. (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) was collected from two specimens of Liolaemus robertmertensi (Liolaemidae) from Argentina. This new species is described based on active stages: adults  and juveniles  and quiescent stages . The changes in morphological characters that occur during the ontogeny of N. robertmertensi have been analyzed in detail. A difference in larval sex morphology was observed for the first time in the family Pterygosomatidae . This new mite species is most similar to N. cyanogasteri but can be distinguished by the presence of different leg chaetotaxy patterns of genua IV and femora IV, four to six genital setae, three to five dorsomedial setae, and two to three ventromedial setae. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on 120 morphological characters of all Neopterygosoma spp. and four outgroup species using the maximum parsimony approach. The results indicated that this species is nested within mites of the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma associated with host species of the section chiliensis of Liolaemus s. str. An updated diagnosis of the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma and an identification key for all species of this genus has been provided.A new pterygosomatid mite species,  Neopterygosoma are permanent ectoparasites, with all life stages living on the hosts. They are associated with endemic South American iguanian lizards of the genus Liolaemus (Sauria: Liolaemidae), and until recently, they were placed in the genus Pterygosoma [Pterygosoma. Later on, Fajfer and González–Acuña [ligare for mites associated with liolaemids. Nevertheless, the phylogenetic trees constructed by Fajfer [Pterygosoma was paraphyletic; therefore, a new genus Neopterygosoma was erected for mites associated with liolaemids lizards [N. schroederi Fajfer, 2020, has been described [Mites of the genus rygosoma ,2. The fez–Acuña  describey Fajfer  clearly  lizards . Since tescribed .Neopterygosoma are represented by eight species associated with the lizards of the genus Liolaemus. They are divided into two groups: chilensis, represented by monoxenous species associated with lizards from Chile, and patagonica, represented by a single oligoxenous species, N. patagonica , recorded on several Liolaemus spp. from Argentina [Currently, mites of the genus rgentina .Neopterygosoma so far, most of these descriptions are based only on a few adult females. This was necessitated by the fact that most of the described mite material was accidentally collected by herpetologists during the investigation of lizards or was taken from museum-preserved specimens, which were often washed before being fixed in formalin or alcohol. It should be emphasized that to gain a complete understanding of the mite taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology, and biology, it is essential to study both immature instars and males. In Pterygosomatidae, as in other mites, the description of juvenile stages enabled the detection of homologous features and establishment of the nomenclature used during species description [N. schroederi, and a male of N. patagonica have been described [Although eight species have been described in the genus cription ,7. So faescribed ,4. NonetNeopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n., from Liolaemus robertmertensi from Argentina, including a first comprehensive description of the male within the genus. We extensively examine the post-embryonic stages using scanning electron microscopy, and we note differences between larval males and females for the first time within this family. Additionally, we infer the phylogenetic position of N. robertmertensi based on morphological data. Considering both morphology and phylogeny, this new species belongs to the chilensis group (the first record of Argentinian host species within the group) and is a sister taxon to Chilenian mite species associated with Liolaemus pictus and L. chiliensis. Additionally, we have revised the diagnosis of the chilensis group and provided an updated identification key for the genus .In this paper, we describe a new species, The mite specimens were collected from the geckos housed in the herpetological collection of HUJ (abbreviations of the institutions are presented below). All lizards were kept in separate jars with 75% ethyl alcohol and were examined for mites, which were then removed from the lizards under a stereomicroscope . Then, the mites were placed in small vials (2 mL) containing 75% ethyl alcohol.Before mounting in Hoyer’s medium, mite specimens were cleared and softened in Nesbitt’s solution at +45 °C for 8–48 h. All specimens were mounted as vouchers using Hoyer’s medium on a glass slide following the standard method [®40 electron microscope  at the Institute of Plant Protection of the National Research Institute in Poznan (IPP NRI), Poland. Additionally, the mites were studied and measured using a Leica DMD108 microscope . All measurements, including scale bars, are given in micrometers (μm). In species descriptions, measurements (ranges) of paratypes are given in parentheses, following the data of the holotype. Specimens destined for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were dehydrated in ethanol, covered with gold, and examined using a Carl Zeiss AG–EVONeopterygosoma spp. was loaned from the AMU. In the species descriptions, names of the leg and idiosomal setae followed Grandjean ,10, as dAMU—Department of Animal Morphology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland;CSWU—Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Poland; HUJ—National Natural History Collections of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; NHM—Natural History Museum, London, the United Kingdom;ZSM—Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Munich, Germany.Neopterygosoma species, all species from the genus were used. The outgroup taxa were selected based on the analyses of Reference [Pimeliaphilus podapolipophagus Trägårdh, 1905 was designated, and as a close outgroup, the representatives of the genus Geckobia (3 spp.) of the family Pterygosomatidae were selected. We chose G. nitidus because it was a sister taxon to Neopterygosoma in the analyses of Fajfer [G. gerrhopygus and G. hirsti because they were grouped separately in the analysis  [All of the characters were unordered and unweighted. In total, 13 species and 120 morphological characters of adult females were included in the analysis . Preparie/PRAP2) . Analysie/PRAP2) , and thechilensis group of the genus Neopterygosoma Fajfer, 2019 of the family Pterygosomatidae Oudemans, 1910, based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. It possesses the diagnostic morphological features of the chilensis group (see below) and is phylogenetically nested within the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma, but with weak support (Bremer = 1).The new species described here was assigned to the chilensisSpecies group Diagnosistc’ and tc” of legs II–IV serrate.Body much wider (1.5–1.8 times) than long. Posteromedial part of idiosomal dorsum and venter with 3–22 pairs of dorsomedial setae or 2–21 pairs of ventromedial setae, respectively. Peripheral setae numerous and much longer than dorsal and ventral setae situated anteriorly, medially, and laterally. Setae MicrohabitatUnder the scales of the whole body.Distribution and host rangeLiolaemus (Sauria: Liolaemidae) from Chile and Argentina.This group is associated with tree lizards of the genus Species includedNeopterygosoma chilensis , N. cyanogasteri , N. formosus , N. levissima , N. ligare , N. ovata , N. schroederi Fajfer, 2020, Neopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n.Neopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n. (i sp. n. .Gnathosoma. Chelicerae 145 (145–150) long. Swollen, proximal part of cheliceral base and slender distal half subequal in length, about 75 (70–75) long. Fixed cheliceral digit spinous, about 10 (10) long. Palpal femur and genu with serrate dorsal seta dF and dG, 75 (75–80) and 55 (45–60) long, respectively. Palpal tibia with slightly serrate lateral setae l′Ti and l″Ti, and with barely serrate ventral seta vTi. Palpal tarsi with 5 setae and solenidion  long. Idiosoma 535 (405–550) long and 973 (715–975) wide. Dorsum (dm). Setae dm1 75 (75–80) long and situated mostly anteriorly, setae dm2–dm5 90–125 (110–125) long and situated antero-laterally to the genital area. Peripheral part of body with about 30 pairs of serrate setae, 10–155 long, inserted dorsally (10–12 pairs) or ventrally (18–23 pairs). Venter  long, 50–55 (60–65) long, 35–45 (55), 85–90 (75–95), and 70–75 long, respectively. Setae g1–g4 densely serrate and situated dorsally, setae g5 slightly serrate and situated terminally. In 3 paratypes unpaired setae g3 present and in 5 paratypes 6 genital setae present (seta g3 is doubled). Pseudanal setal series represented by 5 pairs of setae ps1–ps5, 75–120 long. Setae ps1–ps3 situated terminally and ps4–ps5 ventrally. Legs. Coxal setation 1a, 1b, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d arranged in formula 2–1–4–0. Setae 1a, 3a, 3b situated outside coxal plates. All coxal setae smooth except for slightly serrate setae 3d. Setae of trochanters I–IV: 1–1–1–1, femora I–IV: 5–4–3–2, genua I–IV: 5–4–3–2 and tibiae I–IV: 5–5–5–5. Setae vTrI–IV, vFI–FIII, v″FI–II filiform and smooth, v′GI, v″GI–II, v′TiI–IV, v″TiI–IV, v′FIV, vGIV with barely discernible serration, d′FI–IV, d″FI–III, l′FI, d′GI–IV, d″GI–III, l′GI, dTiI, l′Ti–IV, l″TiI–IV serrate. Setation of tarsi: I 14 setae  and solenidion ω1  and ω1; III and IV with 10 setae each . Setae tc′, tc″, it′ and it″ of leg I represented by eupathidia; all setae p′ and p″ fan-like; setae a′, a″, u′, u″of legs I–IV and tc′, tc″ of leg II with barely discernible serration; setae tc′ and tc″ of legs III–IV serrate.Female . lenidion b. Hypost. Dorsum  with an . Dorsum a. Latera. Venter  with 2 otal area b. Genitaidion ω1 a; II 10 Gnathosoma. Chelicerae 95 long, swollen cheliceral part 40–50 long; slender distal part 45 long. Setae dF filiform and smooth, 50–65 long; setae dG filiform with barely discernible serration, 30–45 long. Supcapitular seta n filiform and smooth, 35–50 long. Each branch of the peritremes is about 50–70 long. Idiosoma 255–320 long and 435–480 wide. Dorsum . . Dorsum  with barve as in . Venter Gnathosoma reduced, peritremes barely visible .  visible b. Legs adF and dG slightly serrate, 55 and 40, respectively. Subcapitular setae n slightly serrate and 50 long. Peritremes 55 long. Idiosoma 305–330 long and 530–560 wide. Dorsum  and ventrally (11–12 pairs) and about 105 long. Venter . Gnathosoma as in female. Chelicerae about 90–95 long. Slender cheliceral part and swollen distal part subequal in length, about 45–50 long. Setae . Dorsum  with smo. Venter  with 2 vDeutochrysalis (based on 2 paratypes in exoskeleton of protonymph). Gnathosoma reduced, with barely discernible peritremes. Idiosoma 415–360 long and 620–650 wide. Legs absent, only coxae I–IV present. Inside deutochrysalis fully developed deutonymph present.dF and dG slightly serrate, 40–60 and 40–45 long, respectively. Subcapitular seta n filiform and smooth, about 50 long. Each branch of peritremes about 60 long. Idiosoma 315–345 long and 535–550 wide. Dorsum (dm1 (30 long), dm2 (55–65) and dm3 (60–70) present, and about 20–28 pairs of postero-lateral setae, 40–95 long. Venter , terminally (7–8 pairs), and dorsally (10–11 pairs). Genital area with 3 pairs of genital setae g1–g3 30, 15, and 25 long, respectively; and with 3 pairs of densely serrate pseudanal setae ps1–3, 70–80 long. Legs. Coxal setae 1a, 1b, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c filiform and smooth, setae 3d slightly serrate. Setae 1a and 3a situated outside coxal plates. Chaetotaxy pattern of legs I–IV as in female, except for lack of setae vTrIV.Protonymph (range for 5 paratypes). Gnathosoma. Chelicerae 95 long; slender cheliceral part and swollen distal part subequal in length, 45–50 long. Hypostome with rounded apex. Setae . Dorsum  with wea. Venter  with setNymphchrysalis . Gnathosoma reduced, with barely discernible peritremes. Idiosoma 225–240 long and 350–360 wide with completely developed protonymph inside, about 205 long and 330 wide. Legs absent, only coxae I–IV visible. dG 20–40 long, setae dF 40–50 long. Subcapitular setae n absent. Idiosoma wider (290–360 wide) than long (170– 250) in female larvae and almost as long as wide in male larvae (155–200 long and 170–215 wide). Dorsum without propodonotal shield  (2–2–1) (4–4–3) (0–0–0). Setae dTiI–III, l′TiI–III, l″TiI–III, vTiI–III, dl′GI–III, dl″GI–II, dl′FI–III, dl″FI–III filiform and slightly serrate. Setae vFI–II with barely discernible serration and setae dFI–III serrate. Setation of tarsi: I 11 setae  and solenidion ω1; II 10 setae  and ω1; III and IV with 10 setae each . Setae vs′, vs″, a′, a″, pl′ smooth or with barely discernible serration, setae p′ and p″ fan-like, setae tc′, tc″ of legs II–III slightly serrate (tc’ longer than tc”), setae ft smooth, setae it’ in form of eupathidion . Gnathosoma. Chelicerae about 50 long; swollen cheliceral part 20–25 long and slender distal part about 30 long. Fixed cheliceral digit absent. Tarsi with 5 setae and solenidion b. Each pl shield a and witl shield b,d devoil shield d with thathidion c. Eggs 170–180 long 150–160 wide.Type materialLiolaemus robertmertensi Hellmich, 1964 (HUJ no. 17923) (Iguania: Liolaemidae), Argentina, Catamarca, 30 km south of Andalgalá, September 1987, coll. O. Pagaburo and Yehudah L. Werner; 7 female, 1 male, 1 deutonymph, 1 nymph chrysalis, 1 protonymph chrysalis, 1 dutonymph chrysalis, and 1 female larva paratypes from same host (HUJ no. 18091) and location, September 1987, coll. O. Pagaburo and Yehudah L. Werner. Holotype and 8 female, 12 male, 9 deutonymph, 4 protonymph, 2 imagochrysalis, 1 deutochrysalis, 1 nymphchrysalis, 8 male larvae, and 10 female larvae paratypes from Type Material DepositionFemale holotype and most paratypes were deposited in the HUJ (reg. HUJINV-Acari_Pte00003.1–38 and HUJINV-Acari_Pte00004.1–11), except for six female, three male, three deutonymph, two protonymph, and four larvae paratypes in the CSWU (reg. no. CSWU-Pte20.1.1–16 and Pte20.2.1–2).EtymologyThe species name is derived from the species name of the host.Differential diagnosisNeopterygosoma cyanogasteri from Liolaemus cyanogaster (Duméril and Bibron) from Chile [dF is longer than dG, subcapitular seta n is smooth or with barely discernible serration, the antero-mid cluster of dorsal setae is represented by about 60 setae, and five pseudanal setae ps are present. In Neopterygosoma robertmertensi setae lv’GIV, lv’GII and ld’FIV are absent, coxal setae 3a are smooth, 4–6 pairs of serrate genital setae are present, 3–5 pairs of dorsomedial setae, and 2 or 3 pairs of ventromedial setae are present. In N. cyanogasteri setae lv’GIV, lv’GII and ld’FIV are present, coxal setae 3a are serrate, one smooth genital seta, 17–21 dorsomedial setae, and 14–18 ventromedial setae are present.This species is most similar to om Chile . In femaRemarksNeopterygosoma species. As a result, we noticed that in the original description of Neopterygosoma spp. [Neopterygosoma mites . Setae -N. patagonica Body circular, only slightly wider than long (1.1–1.3 times). Setae tc’ and tc” of legs II–IV smooth. Peripheral setae subequal with anterior, medial and lateral setae on idiosomal dorsum and venter…patagonica group…2.ps…3Five setae on genu I and 5 pseudanal setae -ps…N. formosus Four setae on genu I and 3 pseudanal setae 3.Four setae on femur II…4-Five setae on femur II…54.vTrI–IV densely serrate. Swollen cheliceral part of chelicerae shorter than slender distal part. Subcapitular setae n short (45–65 long)…N. chilensis Five pseudanal setae present. Setae -vTrI–IV smooth. Swollen cheliceral part of chelicerae longer than slender distal part. Subcapitular setae n long (about 125 long)… N. schroederi Fajfer, 2019Four pseudanal setae present. Setae 5.g1. Dorsomedial setae dm represented by 15–21 pairs of setae. Ventro–medial setae vm represented by 10–18 pairs…6Three setae on femur IV. One pair of genital setae -dm represented by 3–5 pairs of setae. Ventromedial setae vm represented by 1–3 pairs…N. robertmertensi sp. n.Two setae on femur IV. Four or five pairs of genital setae. Dorsomedial setae 6.dF serrate only distally, subcapitular setae n serrate…N. cyanogasteri Genital setae smooth. Fixed cheliceral digit spinous, palp setae -dF serrate on all length, subcapitular setae n smooth…7Genital setae serrate. Fixed cheliceral digit reduced to rounded structure, palp setae 7.dG serrate on all length…8Coxal fields I with 2 setae. Gnathosoma situated apically. Free peritremal branch present. Setae -dG serrate only at distal tip…N. ovata Coxal fields I with 3 setae. Gnathosoma displaced on dorsal side. Free peritremal branch absent. Setae 8.a’ and a” of tarsi I slightly serrate. Setae v’TrI–IV serrate. Setae 3a smooth and situated outside coxal plates…N. levissima Antero-medial setae increase in length from anterior to posterior part of setal cluster. Setae -a’ and a” of tarsi I smooth. Setae v’TrI–IV with barely discernible serration. Setae 3a slightly serrate and situated on coxal plates…N. ligare .Antero-medial setae subequal in length. Setae The analysis of the data matrix  showed tNeopterygosoma is supported by four synapomorphies (Bremer index 3), of which two are unique . As expected, the resulting topology in this analysis is very similar to that in Fajfer [P. patagonica was the sister taxon to three species of Chilean species  included in the analysis. Our analysis confirms that N. patagonica from Argentina, considered less specialized , is the sister group to all the other species of the genus from Chile, considered more specialized . Its position is also supported by five common synapomorphies (Bremer index 2), of which three are unique .The monophyly of the genus L. robertmertensi, is a sister taxon to all species collected from Liolaemus pictus  and L. chiliensis (N. chilensis) and is supported by the presence of five non-unique synapomorphies (Bremer index 1). The node uniting all of the above-mentioned mite species collected from the two host species is supported by five non-unique synapomorphies (Bremer index 2). Within the clade, the relationship within the species is weakly supported: N. formosus is a sister taxon to N. ovata + N. ligare (Bremer index 1), and the three species are a sister group to N. levissima + N. chilensis (Bremer index 1). Notably, the positions of both N. schroederi and N. cyanogasteri, are weakly supported by several non-unique synapomorphies (Bremer index of 1).The new species, Geckobia was paraphyletic with G. nitidus as a sister taxon to representatives of species of the genus Neopterygosoma, while Geckobia gerrhopygus + G. hirsti were as a sister taxon to the genera: Gerrhosaurobia + Zanurobia + Ixodiderma + Scaphotrix + Pterygosoma. In our analysis, all the outgroup Geckobia spp. are grouped in a common clade.The only differences between the tree presented in Reference  and thisLiolaemus is the most ecologically diverse and species-rich genus distributed in South America from the high Andes of central Perú to the shores of Tierra del Fuego, and it spans an altitudinal range from sea level to over 5000 m [The genus r 5000 m . The lior 5000 m . They alr 5000 m ,20. Liolaemus (sensu stricto) and Eulaemus [Neopterygosoma mites has been detected in 12 different species of hosts belonging to Liolaemus s. str. living on both sides of the Andes at different elevations, having different types of scales, coloration patterns, etc. [Currently, the genus includes over 280 species , but newEulaemus —which apns, etc. ,24. Neopterygosoma are monoxenous parasites (the chilensis group) except for N. patagonica collected from several Liolaemus spp. (oligoxenous parasite). Since host species from the same communities  do not Liolaemus lizards at the species level are still questionable, e.g., [Liolaemus s. str. ; as a result, the species were divided into two main clades named: chiliensis and nigromaculatus sections. These findings were congruent with the phylogenetical tree  based oeference ,25,27. U section   have been associated with closely related hosts belonging to three host groups of [robertmertensi, gravenhorsti, and pictus. The pterygosomatids have been found on all representatives within the two former groups except for L. sanjuanensis (robertmertensi group) and L. gravenhorsti (gravenhorsti group), which suggests that checking numerous host specimens of the two species for mites might lead to new species descriptions. However, not all of the host species groups were recovered monophyletic in the work of Troncoso–Palacios et al. ; therefo studies  —belonging to the pictus group, including 11 host species. However, the number of species in this group is debatable because a few species have been treated as subspecies of L. pictus [L. pictus [Liolaemus spp. live either in the eastern or western slopes of the mountains [The highest number of . pictus ,31 or sy. pictus . This hoountains . It is uN. patagonica is a sister taxon to all monoxenous mites of the chilensis group. It agrees with the findings of Fajfer [P. patagonica inhabits various host species of three different groups , a high preference towards a microhabitat on the host body is observed [For the first time, we collected all mites from the host specimens that were preserved directly after collection. As a result, we collected hundreds of mites which were completely hidden beneath the lizard’s scales. We found 1–12 specimens under a single scale, and the mites inhabited each body part of the host specimens. This lack of topical (habitat) specificity is quite surprising because in pterygosomatids living under the scales , the genital region is situated ventrally, and the male develops directly in chrysalis inside the larval integument. In female larvae, the idiosoma is bigger and wider than long (170–250 long and 290–360 wide), the genital region is situated terminally, and the life cycle of the larva consists of both: active stages that feed on blood  and legless inactive stages . This large number of mites allowed us to observe morphological diversity among juveniles and adults and to illustrate for the first time the complete morphological ontogeny of these mites. For the first time in the family Pterygosomatidae, we were able to determine differences between the sexes of larvae. In male larvae of n, weakly sclerotized small propodonotal shield, additional setae ps3 in the genital region, leg setae on coxae II–III , genua-trochanter I–III , and tarsi I, i.e., it″ (ζ), tc′ (ζ) and tc″ (ζ). Our study shows that a female larva forms a chrysalis that resembles those found in other pterygosomatids . InsidedF, dG), fewer setae on the mid-dorsal cluster, and the arrangement of setae (fewer in number) that resembles that in females. An adult female develops in the imagochrysalis (tritonymph). It differs from a deutonymph by the size of the idiosoma, the presence of additional two or three genital setae (g4–g6) and pseudanal setae (ps4–ps5), and ventral setae on trochanter IV. The males develop directly in the chrysalis inside the exoskeleton of larvae. In the protonymph integument, we observed a deutochrysalis with a completely formed coiled deutonymph. This stage differs from a protonymph by the presence of much smaller gnathosoma and longer palpal setae  the difficulty of associating juveniles with an adult if the adults are missing in the sample, (ii) a small number of specimens found on hosts in museum collections , (iii) the presence of only female mites on hosts, which may be explained by the short duration of their juvenile stages or (iv) the small size and transparency of the juvenile stages which make them difficult to notice on the hosts.At this point, it is unclear whether the presence of both male and female larvae is unique for the genus Neopterygosoma differ from those of other genera, such as Pterygosoma or Geckobia, due to the absence of setae on tarsi I, specifically it″ (ζ), tc′ (ζ) and tc″ (ζ). In other pterygosomatid larvae, only one fan-like proral setae p′, one simple tectal seta tc′, and paired iterals it′ and it″ in the form of eupathidia are present. Additionally, Norton’s description of leg chaetotaxy [Neopterygosoma spp. larvae, there is only one euphatidial setae it’ while in contrast, the larvae of Pterygosoma have a pair of iterals (it’ and it”).It is interesting to note that the larvae of aetotaxy , based oaetotaxy ,11, refeNeopterygosoma robertmertensi, using scanning electron microphotography. As a result, we found new morphological features which were not recognized in previous studies of Neopterygosoma spp., such as the presence of a weakly sclerotized propodonotal shield. We observed the species morphological ontogeny and analyzed the main morphological differences between juvenile stages. For the first time in Pterygosomatidae, we observed both male and female larvae that differ mainly by the size and shape of idiosoma and from other pterygosomatid larvae by chaetotaxy of tarsi I. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis showed that this species is nested within the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma, which was consistent with the morphological analysis. Neopterygosoma mites occur only on hosts belonging to three groups of the chiliensis section of the subgenus Liolaemus s. str., whose distributions partially overlap. Nonetheless, the hosts do not carry the same sets of parasite species. This suggests that mites of the chilensis group might be a good fit for cophylogenetic studies, especially if we take into account the fact that some studies conducted on pterygosomatid mites revealed a cophylogenetic pattern [In this research, we meticulously described and illustrated the morphology of the new species of pterygosomatid mite,  pattern .


The use of autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) is an adjunct to the standard of care for definitive wound closure for burn patients. Several published predictive models have indicated theoretical reductions in length of stay (LOS) and hospital costs. There are no studies comparing a single institution’s clinical and surgical results, and patient specific, inflation adjusted, cost/charge data prior to and after utilizing ASCS.A retrospective study was conducted of all patients with >10% TBSA burn from January 2017 to July 2022. The use of ASCS was standardized in January 2019. Demographics, co-morbidities and clinical/surgical outcomes  versus all patients treated with ASCS (“Post”) as well as a post-hoc analysis of patients treated surgically with either split thickness skin graft (“STSG”) versus ASCS, either alone (“A”) or in conjunction with STSG (“A+STSG”). For comparative analysis all patients treated with ASCS patients started in January 2019 were included when a standard approach was created. Statistical analysis including regression modeling was performed.168 met inclusion criteria of which 92 patients were in the “Pre” group (66 treated with STSG and 26 conservatively without surgery) and 76 patients were in the “Post” group (either A [12] or A+STSG [64]). Significant demographic differences were % TBSA and history of hepatic disease (both higher in “Post” group) - see table. Patients in the “Post” group had decreased LOS and LOS/%TBSA, number of surgeries, infectious complications, use of and duration of antibiotics and charges/%TBSA. Sub group analysis of “STSG” versus “A” + “A+STSG”  again demonstrated the above findings as well as decreased percentage of TBSA requiring re-grafting (STSG: 10% vs A/A+STSG: 1.4% in adults and STSG: 3.25% vs A/A+STSG: 0.5% in pediatrics) - see table. On average, there was a decrease of $5,340.85/%TBSA in the “A” +”A+STSG” versus the “STSG” group.In a single institution,, the addition of ASCS for coverage of burns >10% TBSA compared to SOC resulted in improved clinical outcomes and cost of care . This is the first study to demonstrate actual differences in multiple clinical/surgical outcomes and patient charges.The addition of ASCS in the surgical management of burn patients may improve clinical outcomes and lead to decreased cost of care.