bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Resistance Gene‐Guided Discovery of the Molecular Basis for Biosynthesis of the Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor Cerulenin
Authors: Shang Zhuo , Arishi Amr A. , Wu Changzheng , Lao Fangzheng , Gilchrist Cameron L. M. , Moggach Stephen A. , Lacey Ernest , Piggott Andrew M. , Chooi Yit‐Heng
Published: October 2024

Cerulenin (1) is the first reported natural fatty acid synthase inhibitor and has been intensively researched for its antifungal, anticancer and anti‐obesity properties. However, the molecular basis for its biosynthesis has remained a mystery for six decades. Here, we have identified the polyketide biosynthetic gene cluster (cer) responsible for the biosynthesis of 1 from two Sarocladium species using a self‐resistance gene mining approach, which we validated via heterologous reconstitution of cer cluster in an Aspergillus nidulans host. Expression of various combinations of cer genes uncovered key pathway intermediates, electrocyclisation products derived from PKS‐encoded polyenoic acids, and a suite of 13 new analogues of 1. This enabled us to establish a biosynthetic pathway to 1 that starts with a C12 polyketide precursor containing both E and Z double bonds and involves a complex series of epoxidations, double bond shifts, E/Z isomerisation and epoxide reduction. Using in vitro assays, we further validated the roles of amidotransferase CerD in amidation, and oxidase CerF and reductase CerE in the final two‐electron oxidation and enone reduction steps towards 1. These findings expand our understanding of complex tailoring modifications in highly reducing PKS pathways and pave the way for the engineered biosynthesis of cerulenin analogues.
Polymer Mechanochemistry in Confined Spaces
Authors: Hu Hui , Zhou Yang , Xi Bin , Li Yuanchao
Published: October 2024

With the development of mechanophores, polymer mechanochemistry has emerged as a powerful tool for creating force‐responsive materials with a variety of desired functions, ranging from color change to molecular release. However, it remains challenging to improve the efficiency of mechanochemical activation, especially for mechanophores embedded within polymer networks, which has profound implications for translating mechanochemical responses into materials‐centered applications. The physical and chemical conditions under spatial confinement differ significantly from those in the surrounding bulk environment, offering opportunities to facilitate mechanochemical activation. In this Minireview, we discuss and summarize recent progress in polymer mechanochemistry within confined spaces including surfaces/interfaces, polymer assemblies, and other nanostructures, specifically focusing on the effects of spatial confinement on the enhancement of mechanophore activation. We envision that combining confinement effects with advances in molecular and materials engineering will further improve the activation efficiency, capitalizing more fully on the potential of mechanophores toward practical applications.
Indian consensus statements on the management of small renal masses, non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer and high‐risk/locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Hughes Simon , Nair Rajesh , Radia Bhav , mavuduru Ravimohan S. , Dasgupta Prokar , Ghose Amit
Published: October 2024

No pan‐India‐specific guidelines exist for the management of urological cancers. Although western guidelines are useful for informing management strategies, they do not account for the nuances of management in the Indian context. A modified Delphi method was used to provide a framework for the systematic development of India‐centric guidelines for the management of three uro‐oncology disease states: small renal masses, non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer and high‐risk/locally advanced prostate cancer.
Avoiding Financial Information: The Roles of Fate and Money Beliefs
Authors: Montford William J. , Timmerman Inga C.
Published: October 2024

The current research explores the influence of belief in fate on the avoidance of information about one's current financial situation. Building on research in the areas of consumer behavior and consumer decision‐making, we explore how implicit beliefs about money impact the relationship between an individual's belief in fate and avoidance of information about current financial situation. We find that fatalism positively predicts a greater likelihood of avoiding current financial information (Studies 1a and 1b). We further find evidence that this effect is mediated by two money scripts, defined as implicit beliefs about money, in particular, avoidant and status scripts (Study 2). In other words, situation avoidance occurs because individuals higher in fatalism have a greater belief in either an avoidant or status script, which further heightens their avoidance of information about their financial situation. Next, we introduce perceived control over money as a moderating factor of the relationship between these money beliefs and situation avoidance (Study 3). We find that the impact of money script on avoidance is weakened when individuals have higher perceived control over money, while lower perceived control further strengthens the relationship between money script and situation avoidance. Finally, the key effect is then generalized to various types of financial contexts (Study 4). We conclude with implications of these findings for theory, policy makers, managerial decision‐making, and consumer well‐being.
N─N Bond Oxidative Addition‐Promoted Diaziridinone Activation: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Shan Chunhui , He Qing , Liu Song , Luo Xiaoling , Li Rong , Bai Ruopeng , Lan Yu
Published: October 2024

Density functional theory (DFT) calculation has been used to reveal palladium‐catalyzed mode of diaziridinone ring activation. Our theoretical studies found that oxidative addition of di‐tert‐butyldiaziridinone to Pd(II) can give a high valent Pd(IV) intermediate, along with the cleavage of N─N bond in di‐tert‐butyldiaziridinone through a concerted three‐membered‐cyclic transition state. Subsequent transformations via reductive elimination and β‐N elimination give the desired indolo[3,2‐b]indole product. The competitive activation modes such as metathesis and migratory insertion can be excluded in our selected model reaction. The rate‐determining step of this reaction is the oxidative addition of di‐tert‐butyldiaziridinone step. Distortion‐interaction analysis was conducted to reveal that the oxidative addition mode of di‐tert‐butyldiaziridinone is superior to the metathesis mode due to the lower interaction energy.
Data‐Efficient Active Learning for Thermodynamic Integration: Acidity Constants of BiVO4 in Water
Authors: Schienbein Philipp , Blumberger Jochen
Published: October 2024

The protonation state of molecules and surfaces is pivotal in various disciplines, including (electro−)catalysis, geochemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceutics. Accurately and efficiently determining acidity constants is critical yet challenging, particularly when explicitly considering the electronic structure, thermal fluctuations, anharmonic vibrations, and solvation effects. In this research, we employ thermodynamic integration accelerated by committee Neural Network potentials, training a single machine learning model that accurately describes the relevant protonated, deprotonated, and intermediate states. We investigate two deprotonation reactions at the BiVO4 (010)‐water interface, a promising candidate for efficient photocatalytic water splitting. Our results illustrate the convergence of the required ensemble averages over simulation time and of the final acidity constant as a function of the Kirkwood coupling parameter. We demonstrate that simulation times on the order of nanoseconds are required for statistical convergence. This time scale is currently unachievable with explicit ab‐initio molecular dynamics simulations at the hybrid DFT level of theory. In contrast, our machine learning workflow only requires a few hundred DFT single point calculations for training and testing. Exploiting the extended time scales accessible, we furthermore asses the effect of commonly applied bias potentials. Thus, our study significantly advances calculating free energy differences with ab‐initio accuracy.
Computational Study of Carbon Dioxide Capture by Tertiary Amines
Authors: Pornjariyawatch Chalakon , Jitchum Varangkana , Assawatwikrai Krit , Leepakorn Pakanan , Probst Michael , Boekfa Bundet , Maihom Thana , Limtrakul Jumras
Published: October 2024

The reaction mechanisms and corresponding structure‐activity relationships of tertiary amines with respect to CO2 capture have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The reaction mechanism for CO2 capture via base‐catalyzed hydration to form bicarbonate is proposed to proceed in a single step involving proton transfer and the formation of a carbon‐oxygen bond. Based on the height of the reaction barriers, we suggest that amines containing side chains with the ethyl group, along with a single hydroxyl group, and cyclic structures, are especially active for CO2 capture. The activation barrier is shown to be a descriptor for predicting the experimental CO2 loading values. To enhance the prediction accuracy for CO2 loading, we employ the sure‐independence screening and sparsifying operator (SISSO) method, which can scan a large pool of mathematical terms stemming from combining DFT‐derived descriptors to select the superior ones. Thus, we can predict the CO2 loading with acceptable accuracy from the obtained mathematical expression. Since the computational workload of applying this expression is negligible, this facilitates high‐throughput screening and accelerates the design of tertiary amines for CO2 capture.
Formation of Paraldehyde (C6H12O3) in Interstellar Analog Ices of Acetaldehyde Exposed to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Wang Jia , Turner Andrew M. , Marks Joshua H. , Fortenberry Ryan C. , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: October 2024

Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) plays a crucial role in the synthesis of prebiotic molecules such as amino acids, sugars, and sugar‐related compounds, and in the progress of chain reaction polymerization in deep space. Here, we report the first formation of the cyclic acetaldehyde trimer – paraldehyde (C6H12O3) – in low‐temperature interstellar analog ices exposed to energetic irradiation as proxies of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). Utilizing vacuum ultraviolet photoionization reflectron time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and isotopic substitution experiments, paraldehyde was identified in the gas phase during the temperature‐programmed desorption of the irradiated acetaldehyde ices based on the calculated adiabatic ionization energies and isomer‐specific dissociative fragmentation patterns upon photoionization. As acetaldehyde is ubiquitous throughout the interstellar medium and has been tentatively identified in interstellar ices, paraldehyde could have formed in acetaldehyde‐containing ices in a cold molecular cloud and is an excellent candidate for gas‐phase observation in star‐forming regions via radio telescopes. The identification of paraldehyde in the gas phase from the processed acetaldehyde ices advances our understanding of how complex organic molecules can be synthesized through polymerization reactions in extraterrestrial ices exposed to GCRs.
The interplay between smart technologies, business sustainability, and environmental sustainability: An empirical analysis of SMEs
Authors: V K Rajan Kumar , Saunila Minna , Rantala Tero , Ukko Juhani
Published: October 2024

This study examines the interplay between smart technologies, business sustainability, and environmental sustainability within the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). By employing structural equation modeling (SEM), the study evaluates the direct and indirect effects of smart technology integration on business and environmental sustainability outcomes. The results indicate that while smart technologies do not directly influence environmental sustainability, they significantly enhance business sustainability, which in turn positively affects environmental sustainability. This implies a mediated relationship, in which the strategic implementation of smart technologies is crucial for achieving environmental goals. The implications extend to the necessity of a strategic, holistic approach to sustainability in SMEs, emphasizing the intricate roles played by smart technologies in this sector.
More Efficient Chemical Recycling of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) by Intercepting Intermediates
Authors: Watson‐Sanders Shelby , Dadmun Mark
Published: October 2024

The research presented in this paper offers insight into the availability of intermediates in the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to be used as feedstock to create value‐added products. Monitoring the dispersity, molecular weight, end groups, and crystallinity of reaction intermediates during the heterogeneous depolymerization of PET offers insight into the mechanism by which the polymer chains evolve during the reaction. Our results show dispersity decreases and crystallinity increases while the yield of insoluble PET remains high early in the reaction. Our interpretation of this data depicts a mechanism where chain scission targets amorphous tie chains between crystalline phases. Targeting the tie‐chains lowers the Mn of the polymer without changing the amount of recovered polymer flake. Chain scission of tie‐chains and isolating highly crystalline PET lowers the dispersity (Đ) of the polymer chains, as the size of the crystalline lamellae guides the molecular weight of the depolymerized oligomers. When sufficient end groups of PET chains are converted to alcohol groups, the PET flakes break apart into highly crystalline and less disperse polymer. Our results also demonstrate that the oligomeric depolymerization intermediates are readily repolymerized, offering new opportunities to chemically recycle PET more effectively and efficiently, from both an energy and purification standpoint.
A novel arabinogalactan extracted from Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.) Haw improves the immunity and gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice
Authors: Dai Jin , Zhou Zhiwei , Chen Liangwei , Cao Shujuan , Luo Ke , Zhang Jinmei , Dinnyés András , Wang Dan , Sun Qun
Published: October 2024

A novel type I arabinogalactan (AG‐I) polysaccharide (EPS) from Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.) Haw's flowers is hypothesized to possess immunomodulatory activity. This study investigated EPS's effects on immune functions and its potential mechanism for enhancing intestinal health in immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that supplementing EPS significantly alleviated immune organ damage, increased the thymus index (p < 0.01), and regulated the key immune factors, including the tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and complement 3 (C3) in the liver (p < 0.05). EPS promoted the expression of intestinal immune barrier and chemical barrier proteins such as interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and mucin 2 (MUC2) (p < 0.05), effectively repairing intestinal damage. EPS improved the diversity and structure of intestinal microbiota in immunosuppressed mice (p < 0.05) and significantly altered the abundance of intestinal immune‐related microbial taxa, including Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus (p < 0.01). Furthermore, EPS supplementation altered intestinal lactic acid metabolism, significantly increasing lactic acid levels by up to 3.4‐fold (p < 0.01), and enhanced the expression of Gpr81, Wnt3a, and β‐catenin proteins at the bottom of the colonic crypts, which may repair the intestinal physical barrier. Overall, EPS represents a novel AG‐I immunomodulatory dietary polysaccharide that enhances immunity and improves gut health.
From B3O3(OH)3 to B3O3F3: Uncovering Series of New Functional Units Based on [BO2F] Beneficial for Deep‐Ultraviolet Birefringence
Authors: Zhang Kewang , Chu Dongdong , Lu Juanjuan , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: October 2024

Birefringent materials play indispensable roles in modulating the polarization of light and are vital in laser science and technology. Units with π‐conjugation are regarded as potential functional modules for large optical anisotropy, such as planar [BO3]3−, [B3O6]3−, and [B3O3(OH)3]. However, the discovery of deep‐ultraviolet (DUV, λ ≤200 nm) birefringent materials still faces a serious challenge due to the limited band gap. Replacing hydroxyl anions [OH]− with fluorine anions F− in borates can cause the blueshift of the ultraviolet (UV) cutoff edge, however, the effect of this replacement on π‐conjugation units has not been systematically studied. Herein, based on template materials metaboric acid α‐B3O3(OH)3 with planar [B3O3(OH)3] units, we proposed an OH/F substitution strategy designing potential DUV birefringent materials. The designed B3O3(OH)2F, B3O3(OH)F2, and B3O3F3 exhibit large birefringence from 0.123 to 0.146 at 546 nm with DUV transparency based on first‐principles calculations, exceeding the performance of traditional α‐BaB2O4. Further electronic structure analysis reveals the band edge and bonding difference between [OH]− and F−, indicating the corresponding designed novel [BO2F], [B3O3(OH)2F], [B3O3(OH)F2] and [B3O3F3] units can act as potential DUV birefringent‐active functional modules with large structure anisotropy. This work offers the chemical difference of F− and [OH]− anions, and design‐strategy of new DUV birefringent materials.
Examining the Impact of Social and Perceptual Encoding Strategies on the Cross‐Race Recognition Deficit
Authors: Quarenta Joana , Palma Tomás A. , Correll Joshua , Santos Ana Sofia , Singh Balbir
Published: October 2024

The cross‐race recognition deficit (CRD) involves poorer recognition of faces perceived as cross‐race compared to faces perceived as the same race. In this literature, research has examined social and perceptual encoding in the CRD separately. Recent research comparing these strategies shows that encoding faces based on social information (personality traits) enhances face recognition relative to encoding faces based on perceptual information (facial features), with a similar effect for both same‐race and cross‐race faces. Expanding on this research, we conducted three experiments (one pre‐registered), manipulating the perception of face race within participants and using different social and perceptual encoding questions to examine their impacts on the CRD. Results showed that social encoding equally facilitated the recognition of faces perceived as same‐race and cross‐race replicating previous research (Experiment 1). However, perceptual encoding divergently impacted face recognition, improving cross‐race but disrupting same‐race (Experiment 2) or having comparable effects to standard encoding (Experiment 3). We discuss these findings and their implications for existing CRD theories.
Interplays of Dietary Fat with BMI and FAAH rs324420 on HDL‐C in Gender‐Dependent Manner in Adolescents
Authors: Shen Yi Lin , Qiu Li , Cai Jia Jing , Guo Qi Wei , Chen Xu , Su Guo Ming , Lin Jia , Fang Ding Zhi
Published: October 2024

The present study was to explore relationship between serum lipid profiles and the polymorphism of rs324420 at fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene (FAAH rs324420) and its confounders in Chinese adolescents. Serum lipids, glucose, and insulin levels were assessed using routine methods in a cohort of 708 high school students. Dietary intake was investigated by 3‐day diet records, and intakes of protein, fat, and carbohydrate were calculated. FAAH rs324420 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and confirmed through DNA sequencing. In the whole study population, increased HDL‐C levels were observed in FAAH rs324420 CC homozygotes than those in A allele carriers. Body mass index (BMI), gender, intake of fat, and FAAH rs324420 were predictive factors of HDL‐C levels in the whole study population. Moreover, BMI and intake of fat were predictors of HDL‐C levels in male FAAH rs324420 A allele carriers and female CC homozygotes, but only BMI was predictor of HDL‐C in female A allele carriers and male CC homozygotes. These results demonstrate that there are mutual effects of dietary fat with gender, BMI, and FAAH rs324420 on HDL‐C levels, which pave a novel way to explore the heterogeneous relationship of serum lipid profiles with diets or FAAH rs324420 and provide a new perspective of precision dietary interventions of dyslipidemia, especially in adolescents.
The what, the when and the how: A qualitative study of allied health decision‐maker perspectives on factors influencing the development and implementation of advanced and extended scopes of practice in Australia
Authors: Downie Sharon , Gavaghan Belinda , D’Atri Megan , McBride Liza‐Jane , Kirk‐Brown Andrea , Haines Terry P.
Published: October 2024

Background

Health workforce supply is critical to ensuring the delivery of essential healthcare and may be enhanced via mechanisms which alter the scopes of practice of health professions. The aim of this paper is to study the collective perspectives of allied health decision‐makers on factors which influence their development and implementation of advanced and extended scope of practice initiatives, and how they contribute to scope of practice change. The reasoning for the selection of each factor will also be examined.

Methods

A grounded‐theory, qualitative study of the experiences of allied health directors and senior managers across two Australian State/Territory jurisdictions.

Results

Twenty allied health decision‐makers participated in the study. Data coding of interview transcripts identified 14 factors specific to scope of practice change, spanning rational (n = 8) and non‐rational (n = 6) decision‐making approaches. Leadership, Governance, Needs of organisational leaders, Resourcing, Knowledge, skills & experience ‐ clinical, Supporting resources, Knowledge & skills – change and Sustainability were identified as being rational and enabling in and of themselves, with Leadership seen as being most influential. Comparatively, the non‐rational factors of Socio‐economic & political environment, Perceived patient need, Organisational environment, Change culture & appetite, Perceived professional territorialism and Actual professional territorialism were more varied, and primarily influenced the timing/catalyst and application of decision‐making. The complex interplay between these factors was conceptually represented as a decision‐making construct.

Conclusion

Allied health decision‐makers hold a complex, systems‐level understanding of scope of practice change. Whilst rational decision criteria were predominant and seen to enable scope change, non‐rational influences reflected greater variation in decision timing/catalyst and application, thus emphasising the human dimensions of decision‐making. Further research is required to better understand how decision‐makers integrate and weight these decision‐making factors to determine their relative importance and to inform the development of structured decision tools.
An analytical study of ohmic dissipation and diffusion‐thermo effect on MHD convective flow through an infinite vertical porous plate with constant heat and mass flux
Authors: Sharma Sweety , Choudhury Kangkan
Published: October 2024

This research examines the appearance of a two‐dimensional steady flow movement of a viscous, incompressible fluid undergoing chemical reactions along an infinitely long vertical porous plate. The flow is influenced by a transverse magnetic field, with the plate experiencing a uniform suction velocity. The research novelty lies in inspecting the impacts of ohmic dissipation and diffusion‐thermo effects while maintaining constant heat and mass flux and considering heat and mass transfer in the presence of thermal radiation. Using perturbation techniques, the foremost calculations are solved, and the results are presented both graphically and in tables. The analysis shows that higher values of the diffusion‐thermo parameter upsurge fluid velocity and temperature, whereas the presence of the transverse magnetic field decreases fluid velocity and temperature.
Impact of soil architecture on the interrill erodibility in clayey subtropical soil
Authors: Thomaz Edivaldo L.
Published: October 2024

Soil erosion is a key concern with regard to ecosystem functionality and food, fibre and bioenergy productions worldwide. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms and controls of soil erosion, particularly the link between soil aggregate stability and soil erodibility, is of utmost importance. The use of disturbed samples and sieved soil to determine the involved erodibility and aggregate stability is standard in soil erosion studies. However, soil erodibility estimation based on disturbed‐soil samples can be inaccurate as it involves changes in the architecture of the considered soil, possibly leading to overestimations. Moreover, a necessity for evaluating soil erodibility beyond intrinsic soil characteristics (e.g. texture) exists. The objective of this research was to assess the erodibility impact of soil disturbance. Undisturbed‐soil cores with dimensions of 45 cm (length) × 30 cm (width) × 10 cm (depth) were extracted while preserving their architecture. An A horizon corresponding to brown clayey subtropical oxisol soil from Southern Brazil was used for performing an experiment that involved simulation of 58–mm h−1 rain for 30 min. A total of seven replicate experiments were performed for each soil condition (i.e. undisturbed and disturbed soils). Results show that soil architecture deterioration had a larger impact on the involved soil loss than runoff. Further, soil structure failure did not affect the aggregate stability per se. Notably, the soil erodibility and loss were approximately 10 times larger under the disturbed‐soil condition than under the undisturbed‐soil condition (interrill erodibility: 4.30 × 107 and 4.39 × 106 kg s m−4, respectively; soil loss: 0.925 and 0.094 kg m−2, respectively). Overall, the intrinsic soil characteristics did not change; however the soil architecture deterioration considerably increased the erodibility.
Exercise preconditioning mitigates brain injury after cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury in rats by restraining TIMP1
Authors: Meng Xiangbo , Yang Hui , Chen Feifeng , Li Baohua , Wu Yan , Wang Rong
Published: October 2024

Background

Cerebral ischemic disease is a common cerebrovascular disease, especially ischemic stroke. Exercise has protective functions on brain tissues following cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury (CIRI), but its preventive effects and mechanisms in CIRI remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of exercise preconditioning on CIRI.

Methods

The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) operation was prepared to establish CIRI rats. All rats were randomized into the MCAO, exercise (exercise preconditioning plus MCAO operation), vector (exercise preconditioning, MCAO operation plus intraventricular injection of empty vector), and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1 overexpression (OE‐TIMP1, exercise preconditioning, MCAO operation plus intraventricular injection of OE‐TIMP1) groups.

Results

The results indicated that exercise preconditioning suppressed approximately 66.67% of neurological deficit scores and 73.79% of TIMP1 mRNA expression in MCAO rats, which were partially offset by OE‐TIMP1. The protective effects of exercise against neuron death status and cerebral infarction size in MCAO rats were reversed by OE‐TIMP1. It also confirmed that exercise weakened apoptosis and oxidative stress damage, with notable increases of B‐cell lymphoma‐2, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase production, and evident decreases of BCL2‐associated X, caspase 3, and malondialdehyde in MCAO rats, while these effects were partially reversed by OE‐TIMP1. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of exercise on the protein levels of TIMP1, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 in MCAO rats were partially reversed by OE‐TIMP1.

Conclusion

Altogether, exercise preconditioning had protective effects on CIRI by restraining TIMP1, which provided new therapeutic strategies for preventing CIRI.
The mediating role of insulin resistance in the association between inflammatory score and MAFLD: NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhao Xin
Published: October 2024

Background

The association between inflammatory score, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is inconclusive.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the inflammatory score and MAFLD and investigate the potential mediating effect of IR (evaluated by triglyceride‐glucose index) in this association.

Methods

Calculating inflammatory score was performed based on white blood cells and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. The association between the inflammatory score and MAFLD was evaluated based on the weighted multifactor logistic regression model. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to visualize the dose–response relationship between the inflammatory score and MAFLD. We also conducted a mediation analysis to assess the extent to which IR mediates this association.

Results

Among the 1090 participants, 563 were ultimately diagnosed with MAFLD. Multivariate logistic regression results indicated a close positive association between inflammatory score and MAFLD (odds ratio = 1.235, 95% confidence interval 1.069–1.427, p = .007). The RCS results indicated a linear dose–response relationship between the inflammatory score and the risk of MAFLD after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Furthermore, the mediation analysis results showed that IR partially mediated the association between the inflammatory score and MAFLD (percent mediation = 33%).

Conclusion

Our research results indicate that the inflammatory score is positively associated with the risk of MAFLD, and IR plays a partial mediating effect in this association.
Higher Temperatures Provide Insights Into the Aerobic Mineralization of Aquatic Macrophyte Leachates
Authors: Freitas Roberta , da Cunha‐Santino Marcela Bianchessi , Bianchini Irineu
Published: October 2024

Aquatic macrophyte leachate is one of the autochthonous sources of carbon and nitrogen in aquatic systems, and microbial communities easily mineralize these elements. Understanding the effects of climate change on the consumption of dissolved oxygen (DO) due to the mineralization of leachate from aquatic macrophytes is fundamental for accurately establishing the oxygen balance in aquatic systems and forecasting element cycling rates. Bioassays were developed to determine the consumption of DO owing to the mineralization of carbon and nitrogen of the aquatic macrophytes leachates (Myriophyllum aquaticum, Hedychium coronarium, Salvinia auriculata, and Chara sp.) when exposed to a temperature increase of 4°C (from 21°C to 25°C). The results concerning accumulated DO were fitted to a first‐order kinetic model. At 25°C, oxygen consumption due to mineralization increased by 9.6%, whereas the chemical composition of the leachate changed oxygen consumption between 7.2 (21°C) and 9.2% (25°C). The O/C stoichiometry (oxygen consumed by oxidized carbon) indicated the compositions of the leachate, and temperatures determined the pattern of oxygen consumption. Due to the chemical composition of the leachate, the values varied by approximately 17% and were higher at 25°C (about 30%). Regardless, the increase in temperature improved the oxygen consumption of leachate mineralization. After 90 days at 25°C, the highest concentrations of remaining dissolved organic carbon occurred, suggesting the selection of microorganisms and the catabolic routes that favored the production of refractory organic compounds to the detriment of mineralization. The results indicate that knowledge of the effects of climate variations on aquatic systems is crucial for an accurate understanding of the biogeochemical cycles in these environments.
IQL‐OCDA: An intelligent Q‐learning‐based for optimal clustering and data‐aggregation for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Aledaily Arwa N.
Published: October 2024

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can suffer from low battery life due to the energy consumption of the routing protocol. Small sensor nodes are often difficult to recharge after deployment. In a WSN, data aggregation is generally used to reduce or eliminate data redundancy between nodes in order to save energy. In the proposed algorithm, sensor nodes are deployed in appropriate clusters and cluster heads are elected using Q‐learning techniques. Nodes are clustered based on the mean values computed during the clustering phase. Lastly, a performance evaluation and comparison of existing clustering algorithms are performed based on Intelligent Q‐learning. The proposed IQL‐OCDA model reduces end‐to‐end delay by 10.11%, increases throughput by 4.15%, and increases network lifetime by 5.1%.
Approaching ramp lesions from the different world of posterior knee compartment: A review of evidence with a proposal of a new classification and treatment
Authors: Keyhani Sohrab , Mirahmadi Alireza , Maleki Arash , Vosoughi Fardis , Verdonk Rene , LaPrade Robert F. , Landreau Philippe , Movahedinia Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Ramp lesions (RLs) are peripheral lesions that occur in the posterior part of the medial meniscus or where it attaches to the joint capsule. The classification of the medial meniscus RLs has been the focus of numerous studies and publications. This review provides an overview of RL's current classification and treatment options in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees. The study also aims to present a more practical classification system for RLs to assist in treatment decision‐making. For the first time, we also presented a new surgical treatment for incomplete inferior and double‐complete RL based on the posterior knee arthroscopy that provides direct access to the posterior meniscal borders, enabling effective treatment and stronger biomechanical repair.

Level of Evidence

Level V.
The Buds of Oscarella lobularis (Porifera, Homoscleromorpha): A New Convenient Model for Sponge Cell and Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Authors: Rocher Caroline , Vernale Amélie , Fierro‐Constaín Laura , Séjourné Nina , Chenesseau Sandrine , Marschal Christian , Issartel Julien , Le Goff Emilie , Stroebel David , Jouvion Julie , Dutilleul Morgan , Matthews Cédric , Marschal Florent , Brouilly Nicolas , Massey‐Harroche Dominique , Schenkelaars Quentin , Ereskovsky Alexander , Le Bivic André , Renard Emmanuelle , Borchiellini Carole
Published: October 2024

The comparative study of the four non‐bilaterian phyla (Cnidaria, Placozoa, Ctenophora, and Porifera) provides insights into the origin of bilaterian traits. To complete our knowledge of the cell biology and development of these animals, additional non‐bilaterian models are needed. Given the developmental, histological, ecological, and genomic differences between the four sponge classes (Demospongiae, Calcarea, Homoscleromorpha, and Hexactinellida), we have been developing the Oscarella lobularis (Porifera, class Homoscleromorpha) model over the past 15 years. Here, we report a new step forward by inducing, producing, and maintaining in vitro thousands of clonal buds that now make possible various downstream applications. This study provides a full description of bud morphology, physiology, cells and tissues, from their formation to their development into juveniles, using adapted cell staining protocols. In addition, we show that buds have outstanding capabilities of regeneration after being injured and of re‐epithelization after complete cell dissociation. Altogether, Oscarella buds constitute a relevant all‐in‐one sponge model to access a large set of biological processes, including somatic morphogenesis, epithelial morphogenesis, cell fate, body axes formation, nutrition, contraction, ciliary beating, and respiration.
Association between chronic diseases and severe periodontal disease progression: A retrospective cohort study in a city of Japan
Authors: Nin Sayaka , Sun Yu , Maeno Takami , Nishiura Chihiro , Taira Kento , Fujimoto Kenji , Hamano Jun , Ozone Sachiko , Maeno Tetsuhiro
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic periodontal disease primarily causes tooth loss and oral frailty and is linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. However, its progression and broader studies on chronic diseases have not been well explored. This study aimed to investigate this association using claims data.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used linked medical, dental, and pharmacy claims data from a local municipality in Japan. The study included participants aged 40–70 years who had received medical care between April 2017 and March 2018. Exposures included age, sex, and common chronic diseases previously reported to be associated with periodontal diseases (21 diseases). We defined the outcome, “progression of severe periodontitis” as the worsening of periodontal disease to a severe stage requiring surgery or tooth extraction, determined by the presence of a periodontal surgery code or a deeper probing pocket depth (≥6 mm) code along with the tooth extraction procedure code. The participants were followed up until March 2022, and multivariate analysis was conducted using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Among 28,846 participants, 1035 (3.6%) progressed to severe periodontal disease. In the multivariate analysis, only diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with severe periodontal disease, with a hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.53) among all chronic diseases.

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes mellitus had a high risk of severe periodontal disease progression, suggesting that proactive dental visits should be recommended to prevent severe periodontal disease.
The genomic landscape of transformed splenic diffuse red pulp small B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Grau Marta , Pol Melina , Montaner Anna , Mozas Pablo , Nadeu Ferran , Márquez‐López Ian , Álamo Jose Ramon , Navarro Alba , Martinez Daniel , Frigola Gerard , Balagué Olga , Lopez‐Guerra Mónica , Colomer Dolors , Ruiz‐Gaspà Silvia , Bashiri Melika , Correa Juan , Giné Eva , López‐Guillermo Armando , Campo Elias , López Cristina , Matutes Estella , Beà Sílvia
Published: October 2024

The genetic landscape underlying the transformation of splenic diffuse red pulp small B‐cell lymphoma (SDRPL) is not well understood. The present study aimed to unravel the genomic alterations involved in the progression and transformation of SDRPL. We performed genetic studies on both SDRPL and subsequent or synchronous diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) samples in three SDRPL patients who eventually developed DLBCL. Our findings revealed that SDRPL cases progressing to DLBCL acquired genomic alterations in genes related to the cell cycle (CDKN2A/B, TP53, MYC and CCND3) and B cell development (BCL6).
Susceptibility to lenacapavir, fostemsavir and broadly neutralizing antibodies in French primary HIV‐1 infected patients in 2020–2023
Authors: Chaix Marie‐Laure , Terracol Laura , Nere Marie‐Laure , Stefic Karl , Lascoux‐Combe Caroline , Manda Victoria , Sellier Pierre , Maylin Sarah , Molina Jean‐Michel , Liegeon Geoffroy , Delaugerre Constance , Salmona Maud
Published: October 2024

Surveillance studies of Transmitted Drug Resistance (TDR) are crucial in tracking the evolution of HIV epidemiology. Our aim was to investigate TDR to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), integrase inhibitors (INIs), as well as to new drugs: lenacapavir, fostemsavir. Predictive sensitivity was evaluated for maraviroc and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) (zinlirvimab and teropavimab). Between 2020 and 2023, 85 people with HIV (PWH) were diagnosed with primary HIV‐1 infection (PHI). Pol and env sequences were analyzed and TDR was characterized according to the French ANRS algorithm. The genotypic‐based prediction of bNAbs sensitivity was based on HIV env amino acid signatures I108, I201, F353 for teropavimab and N325, N332, H330 for zinlirvimab. TDR to NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs and INIs was evidenced in 8.2%, 12.9%, 4.7%, and 5.9% strains, respectively. Ten viruses were CXCR4/dual mix. All viruses were susceptible to lenacapavir (100%) and 52% harbored resistance to fostemsavir. The genotypic profile was associated with a predictive positive value (PPV) > 83% of susceptibility to both teropavimab and zinlirvimab for 23 viruses (31%), while 22 (29%) had a PPV between 62% and 75%, suggesting reduced susceptibility to both bNAbs as soon as primary infection. The surveillance of TDR evidenced at the time of PHI is important with regard to new strategies for HIV patients with virological failure and global implementation of PrEP using NRTI, INI such as recently approved injectable cabotegravir, and future long‐acting drugs such as lenacapavir and bNAbs.
In Vitro Antagonistic Activity of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Against Aggressive Biotypes of the Green Mold
Authors: Mis Baran , Karaca Kemal , Eltem Rengin
Published: October 2024

During the cultivation of button mushrooms, the green mold epidemic, which causes a decrease in productivity, is a very important problem. The environmental harm of chemicals used in the control of such epidemics and the demand of consumers for organic products without chemicals have brought environmentally friendly biological control to the fore. Biological control can be achieved by the use of antagonistic microorganisms and their metabolites. In this study, the effectiveness of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. for the biological control of the aggressive biotypes of the green mold disease agent Trichoderma aggressivum strains was examined in vitro. For this purpose, the antifungal effects of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. against T. aggressivum strains were examined by in vitro dual culture test. Afterward, the antifungal activity of Bacillus spp. metabolites was assessed further using the agar well diffusion method. Then, it was determined whether the bacterial strains showing antifungal activity showed antagonistic activity against A. bisporus. Although none of the Pseudomonas spp. showed antifungal activity against T. aggressivum strains, most of the Bacillus spp. were found to have high activity. It has been concluded that Bacillus sp. Ö‐4‐82 may be potential biological control agent for button mushroom cultivation.
Arctic fishes reveal patterns in radiocarbon age across habitats and with recent climate change
Authors: Stanek Ashley E. , O'Donnell Jonathan A. , Carey Michael P. , Laske Sarah M. , Xu Xiaomei , Dunton Kenneth H. , von Biela Vanessa R.
Published: October 2024

Climate change alters the sources and age of carbon in Arctic food webs by fostering the release of older carbon from degrading permafrost. Radiocarbon (14C) traces carbon sources and age, but data before rapid warming are rare and limit assessments over time. We capitalized on 14C data collected ~ 40 years ago that used fish as natural samplers by resampling the same species today. Among resampled fish, those using freshwater food webs had the oldest 14C ages (> 1000 yr BP), while those using marine food webs had the youngest 14C ages (near modern). One migratory species encompassed the entire range of 14C ages because juveniles fed in freshwater streams and adults fed in offshore marine habitats. Over ~ 40 yr, average 14C ages of freshwater and marine feeding fish shifted closer to atmospheric values, suggesting a potential influence from “greening of the Arctic.”
High‐quality genome of a novel Thermosynechococcaceae species from Namibia and characterization of its protein expression patterns at elevated temperatures
Authors: Arnold Nathanael D. , Paper Michael , Fuchs Tobias , Ahmad Nadim , Jung Patrick , Lakatos Michael , Rodewald Katia , Rieger Bernhard , Qoura Farah , Kandawa‐Schulz Martha , Mehlmer Norbert , Brück Thomas B.
Published: October 2024

Thermophilic cyanobacteria thrive in extreme environments, making their thermoresistant enzymes valuable for industrial applications. Common habitats include hot springs, which act as evolutionary accelerators for speciation due to geographical isolation. The family Thermosynechococcaceae comprises thermophilic cyanobacteria known for their ability to thrive in high‐temperature environments. These bacteria are notable for their photosynthetic capabilities, significantly contributing to primary production in extreme habitats. Members of Thermosynechococcaceae exhibit unique adaptations that allow them to perform photosynthesis efficiently at elevated temperatures, making them subjects of interest for studies on microbial ecology, evolution, and potential biotechnological applications. In this study, the genome of a thermophilic cyanobacterium, isolated from a hot spring near Okahandja in Namibia, was sequenced using a PacBio Sequel IIe long‐read platform. Cultivations were performed at elevated temperatures of 40, 50, and 55°C, followed by proteome analyses based on the annotated genome. Phylogenetic investigations, informed by the 16S rRNA gene and aligned nucleotide identity (ANI), suggest that the novel cyanobacterium is a member of the family Thermosynechococcaceae. Furthermore, the new species was assigned to a separate branch, potentially representing a novel genus. Whole‐genome alignments supported this finding, revealing few conserved regions and multiple genetic rearrangement events. Additionally, 129 proteins were identified as differentially expressed in a temperature‐dependent manner. The results of this study broaden our understanding of cyanobacterial adaptation to extreme environments, providing a novel high‐quality genome of Thermosynechococcaceae cyanobacterium sp. Okahandja and several promising candidate proteins for expression and characterization studies.
FDA approves first new class of treatment for schizophrenia in 30 years
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Sept. 26 approved Cobenfy (xanomeline and trospium chloride) capsules for oral use for treating adult patients with schizophrenia. The move represents the first new class of treatment for this population in three decades.