Search

This study aimed to assess the impact of high-pressure processing and the inclusion of a pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on colour, antioxidant residual activities and lipid and protein oxidation of dry-cured and uncured sausages during 120 days of refrigerated storage. Nitrite and PPE were added into the sausage formulations following four treatments: (1) 150 mg/kg NaNO2 (C_Pos), (2) 0 mg/kg NaNO2 (C_Neg), (3) 0 mg/kg NaNO2 + 1% PPE (PPE1) and (4) 0 mg/kg NaNO2 + 2% PPE (PPE2). The four dry sausage batches were divided into two groups, one left untreated (0.1 MPa) and the other subjected to high hydrostatic pressure treatment (600 MPa, 8 min). The results revealed significant differences in the initial oxidation levels, with nitrite removal leading to increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. The pomegranate extract surpasses nitrite in the amount of residual antioxidant activity in the sausages and was comparable to nitrites in controlling lipid and protein oxidation. Despite this, thiols were affected, decreasing their value in batches with added pomegranate extract. Finally, the colour of the dry sausages varied significantly towards more yellowish and less reddish when the pomegranate extract was added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) is modulated by multiple molecular factors, which can be ascertained through genetic investigation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within key genes have the potential to impair the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Therefore, the identification of SNPs linked to drug resistance can significantly contribute to the advancement of tailored therapeutic approaches and the enhancement of treatment outcomes in patients with CRC. Material and Method: To identify dysregulated genes in 5-FU-based chemotherapy responder or non-responder CRC patients, a meta-analysis was performed. Next, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the identified genes was analyzed using the STRING database. The most significant module was chosen for further analysis. In addition, a literature review was conducted to identify drug resistance-related genes. Enrichment analysis was conducted to validate the main module genes and the genes identified from the literature review. The associations between SNPs and drug resistance were investigated, and the consequences of missense variants were assessed using in silico tools. Result: The meta-analysis identified 796 dysregulated genes. Then, to conduct PPI analysis and enrichment analysis, we were able to discover 23 genes that are intricately involved in the cell cycle pathway. Consequently, these 23 genes were chosen for SNP analysis. By using the dbSNP database and ANNOVAR, we successfully detected and labeled SNPs in these specific genes. Additionally, after careful exclusion of SNPs with allele frequencies below 0.01, we evaluated 6 SNPs from the HDAC1, MCM2, CDK1, BUB1B, CDC14B, and CCNE1 genes using 8 bioinformatics tools. Therefore, these SNPs were identified as potentially harmful by multiple computational tools. Specifically, rs199958833 in CDK1 (Val124Gly) was predicted to be damaging by all tools used. Our analysis strongly indicates that this specific SNP could negatively affect the stability and functionality of the CDK1 protein. Conclusion: Based on our current understanding, the evaluation of CDK1 polymorphisms in the context of drug resistance in CRC has yet to be undertaken. In this investigation, we showed that rs199958833 variant in the CDK1 gene may favor resistance to 5-FU-based chemotherapy. However, these findings need validation in an independent cohort of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Kitaev honeycomb model, spins coupled by strongly-frustrated anisotropic interactions do not order at low temperature but instead form a quantum spin liquid with spin fractionalisation into Majorana fermions and static fluxes. The realization of such a model in crystalline materials could lead to major breakthroughs in understanding entangled quantum states, however achieving this in practice is a very challenging task. The recently synthesized honeycomb material RuI3 shows no long-range magnetic order down to the lowest probed temperatures and has been theoretically proposed as a quantum spin liquid candidate material on the verge of an insulator to metal transition. Here we report a comprehensive study of the magnetic anisotropy in un-twinned single crystals via torque magnetometry and detect clear signatures of strongly anisotropic and frustrated magnetic interactions. We attribute the development of sawtooth and six-fold torque signal to strongly anisotropic, bond-dependent magnetic interactions by comparing to theoretical calculations. As a function of magnetic field strength at low temperatures, torque shows an unusual non-parabolic dependence suggestive of a proximity to a field-induced transition. Thus, RuI3, without signatures of long-range magnetic order, displays key hallmarks of an exciting candidate for extended Kitaev magnetism with enhanced quantum fluctuations. Quantum spin liquids are materials predicted to be absent of magnetic ordering at low temperature, giving rise to fractionalised electronic states, but conclusive experimental evidence is still absent. Here, the authors conduct angular dependent torque measurements on the candidate spin liquid material RuI3 and, through a comparison of experimental and theoretical results, provide evidence indicating the presence of frustrated magnetic interactions in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The present study includes the longest period of analysis with the highest number of hip fracture episodes (756,308) described in the literature for Spain. We found that the age-adjusted rates progressively decreased from 2005 to 2018. We believe that this is significant because it may mean that measures such as prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, or programs promoting healthy lifestyles, have had a positive impact on hip fracture rates. Purpose: To describe the evolution of cases and rates of hip fracture (HF) in patients 65 years or older in Spain from 2001 to 2018 and examine trends in adjusted rates. Methods: Retrospective, observational study including patients ≥65 years with acute HF. Data from 2001 to 2018 were obtained from the Spanish National Record of the Minimum Basic Data Set of the Ministry of Health. We analysed cases of HF, crude incidence and age-adjusted rates by sex, length of hospital stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality, and used joinpoint regression analysis to explore temporal trends. Results: We identified 756,308 HF cases. Mean age increased 2.5 years, LOS decreased 4.5 days and in-hospital mortality was 5.5–6.5%. Cases of HF increased by 49%. Crude rate per 100,000 was 533.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 532.1–534.5), increasing 14.0% (95%CI, 13.7–14.2). Age-adjusted HF incidence rate increased by 6.9% from 2001 (535.7; 95%CI, 529.9–541.5) to 2005 (572.4; 95%CI, 566.7–578.2), then decreased by 13.3% until 2017 (496.1, 95%CI, 491.7–500.6). Joinpoint regression analysis indicated a progressive increase in age-adjusted incidence rates of 1.9% per year from 2001 to 2005 and a progressive decrease of -1.1% per year from 2005 to 2018. A similar pattern was identified in both sexes. Conclusions: Crude incidence rates of HF in Spain in persons ≥65 years from 2001 to 2018 have gradually increased. Age-adjusted rates show a significant increase from 2001 to 2005 and a progressive decrease from 2005 to 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments on quantum materials have uncovered many interesting quantum phases ranging from superconductivity to a variety of topological quantum matter including the recently observed fractional quantum anomalous Hall insulators. The findings have come in parallel with the development of approaches to probe the rich excitations inherent in such systems. In contrast to observing electrically charged excitations, the detection of charge-neutral electronic excitations in condensed matter remains difficult, although they are essential to understanding a large class of strongly correlated phases. Low-energy neutral excitations are especially important in characterizing unconventional phases featuring electron fractionalization, such as quantum spin liquids, spin ices and insulators with neutral Fermi surfaces. In this Perspective, we discuss searches for neutral fermionic, bosonic or anyonic excitations in unconventional insulators, highlighting theoretical and experimental progress in probing excitonic insulators, new quantum spin liquid candidates and emergent correlated insulators based on two-dimensional layered crystals and moiré materials. We outline the promises and challenges in probing and using quantum insulators, and discuss exciting new opportunities for future advancements offered by ideas rooted in next-generation quantum materials, devices and experimental schemes. Searches for neutral fermionic, bosonic or anyonic excitations in unconventional insulators are discussed, and challenges in probing and using quantum insulators outlined, in this Perspective on future advancements offered by quantum materials and experimental schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids have been detected in farmland-associated birds and exposure to these insecticides has been linked to adverse effects. Even though neonicotinoids are mobile and persistent and have been detected in surface waters and aquatic invertebrates, there is a considerable lack of knowledge on their occurrence in waterbirds. Here we investigated the occurrence of seven neonicotinoids and some of their transformation products (imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, 6-chloronicotinic acid, hydroxy-imidacloprid, imidacloprid-urea, imidacloprid-olefin, thiamethoxam-urea, thiacloprid-amide, acetamiprid-acetate, and acetamiprid-desmethyl) in blood plasma of 51 incubating female common goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula). We collected samples from five different regions from southern to northern Finland encompassing rural and urban settings in coastal and inland areas. Surprisingly, none of the targeted neonicotinoids was found above the limit of detection in any of the samples. As neonicotinoid concentrations in wild birds can be very low, a likely reason for the nil results is that the LODs were too high; this and other possible reasons for the lack of detection of neonicotinoids in the goldeneyes are discussed. Our results suggest that neonicotinoid exposure in their breeding areas is currently not of major concern to female goldeneyes in Finland. Even though this study did not find any immediate danger of neonicotinoids to goldeneyes, further studies including surface water, aquatic invertebrates, and other bird species could elucidate potential indirect food chain effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to analyse the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of peel and seed extracts obtained from three tropical fruits: papaya, mango, and loquat, with different solvents (water, ethanol, and water:ethanol, 1:1) and evaluate their potential effects as antioxidants in a cooked chicken model under refrigerated storage. In the seed and peel extracts produced, bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins) were quantified. Additionally, antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) were assayed spectrophotometrically. Seed extracts from the three fruits were selected for application in a cooked chicken model in which colour, lipids, and protein oxidation were evaluated during refrigerated storage. Moreover, compared with the other extracts, the mango seed extracts (MSEs), irrespective of the extraction solvent used, had the highest contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. MSEs significantly reduced the CIE L* and increased the CIE a* while effectively controlling lipid and protein oxidation in cooked chicken models during refrigerated storage. Due to their high antioxidant activity and high concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, MSEs are interesting sources of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds for use in the meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth ferrite, whose formula is BiFeO3 (BFO), is widely studied for its photovoltaic and photocatalytic properties. In this study, samples of this material were synthesized using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method with the aim of measuring its ability to discolor contaminants present in water in previously formulated concentrations through photocatalysis. Photocatalysis is a process with great potential for applicability in the decontamination of effluents. The analysis process used a 1:1 molar ratio of bismuth nitrate to iron nitrate, with the addition of potassium hydroxide to the aqueous solution. Two samples were synthesized at different temperatures, specifically 140 °C and 160 °C. An X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the synthesized samples were in an amorphous state. Photocatalytic tests were carried out to evaluate the ability of these materials to decolorize rhodamine B present in water in a previously known proportion. A sample synthesized at 140 °C successfully decolorized the solution within 60 min, providing its potential application in photocatalytic processes for decolorization of organic substances from wastewater. In turn, a sample synthesized at 160 °C discolored or contaminated in a slightly longer time. The samples were also subjected to a temperature of 750 ºC until crystallinity was reached. However, photocatalytic tests with crystalline samples performed less well than amorphous samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-grade gliomas are the most prevalent neurooncological desease in adults, their incidence increases with age, peaking in the seventh decade. This paper aims to address how to select patients for surgical resection by identifying pre-surgical predictors of 12-month mortality in newly diagnosed HGG patients aged ≥ 75 years. A prognostic score will be proposed to guide surgical decisions based on expected survival. Retrospective observational single-center cohort study was carried out at the "Città della Salute e della Scienza-Molinette" University Hospital in Turin, Italy. All consecutive patients aged ≥ 75 years newly diagnosed with HGG were included, regardless of whether they underwent surgical resection. Clinical, radiological, histological and molecular data were collected.Variables potentially available at the time of diagnosis were considered to develop a multivariable logistic regression predictive model, with 12-months overall survival as the dependent variable. 102 patients aged 75 years or older received a new diagnosis of high-grade glioma, of whom 68 underwent surgical resection. Patients undergoing surgery were slightly younger (76.9 vs 79.0 years, p = 0.007) and had better performance status (median KPS 80 vs 70). Most tumors undergoing surgery were localized in cortical or subcortical non-motor areas (p < 0.001) and less frequently deep-seated (p = 0.023) or multifocal (p < 0.001). A predictive model, the DAK-75 score, was developed: the AUROC of the final model was 0.822 (95% CI 0.741–0.902). The score includes clinical presentation, tumor location, and KPS, ranging from 0 to 20, categorizing risk scores into low-risk and high-risk groups (< or > 8). Higher scores corresponded to fewer surgical patients and higher one-year mortality rates (92.2% vs 47.1%, p < 0.001). DAK-75 score may represent a valuable tool in the decision-making process for neurosurgical intervention in elderly patients diagnosed with HGG. Further studies are needed to externally and prospectively validate the scoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To withstand their internal turgor pressure and external threats, most bacteria have a protective peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall. The growth of this PG polymer relies on autolysins, enzymes that create space within the structure. Despite extensive research, the regulatory mechanisms governing these PG-degrading enzymes remain poorly understood. Here, we unveil a novel and widespread control mechanism of lytic transglycosylases (LTs), a type of autolysin responsible for breaking down PG glycan chains. Specifically, we show that LD-crosslinks within the PG sacculus act as an inhibitor of LT activity. Moreover, we demonstrate that this regulation controls the release of immunogenic PG fragments and provides resistance against predatory LTs of both bacterial and viral origin. Our findings address a critical gap in understanding the physiological role of the LD-crosslinking mode in PG homeostasis, highlighting how bacteria can enhance their resilience against environmental threats, including phage attacks, through a single structural PG modification. The regulatory mechanisms governing peptidoglycan-degrading autolysins remain poorly understood. In this work, Alvarez et al. show that lytic transglycosylase activity is inhibited by LD-crosslinks in Vibrio cholerae and other bacteria, providing resistance against predatory enzymes of both bacterial and viral origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the clinical relevance of The European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology (ESASO) classification in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) after their first dexamethasone implant (DEXI) treatment. Methods: Retrospective real-world study conducted on consecutive DME patients who underwent DEXI treatment and were controlled at month-2. Subjects were initially classified according to the ESASO classification stages. The outcomes were anatomical biomarkers with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: A total of 128 patients were classified according to ESASO classification stages as early (7; 5.5%), advanced (100; 78.1%), and severe (21; 16.4%). At baseline, there were significant differences between stages in BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT), and tomography anatomical biomarkers (p < 0.05). Initial BCVA (logMAR) was 0.33 ± 0.10, 0.58 ± 0.34, and 0.71 ± 0.35 in the early, advanced, and severe stages, respectively (p < 0.05). At month-2, BCVA was 0.17 ± 0.15, 0.46 ± 0.29, and 0.69 ± 0.27 in those classified as early, advanced, and severe stages, respectively. At month-2, DME was resolved or improved in 6 (85.7%), 60 (60%), and 12 (60%) patients classified as early, advanced, and severe stages, respectively. Conclusions: There was a good correlation between BCVA and ESASO classification stages. Patients in the severe stage did not achieve visual acuity improvement over the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the characterization of (GaSc)2-xFexO3. The composition range where the multinary metal oxide is stable, as well as nonlinear trends in the lattice parameters are described. Select compositions of GaSc1-yFeyO3 are included to compare trends. Fe shows an enhanced solubility when replacing Sc rather than Ga. Field- and temperature-dependent magnetic data are included, and linear trends in the magnetic frustration are discussed alongside a brief comparison to the magnetic properties of GaSc1-yFeyO3. The field-dependent properties, as well as anomalies in the hysteresis loops and relaxation of the remnant magnetization are discussed, as well as indications that long-range order may be present in dilute Fe samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations in isolated and small fragments lose genetic variability very fast and are usually of conservation concern because they are at greater risk of local extinction. The largest native deer in South America, Blastocerus dichotomus (Illiger, 1815), is a Vulnerable species according to the IUCN categorization, which inhabits tropical and subtropical swampy areas. In Argentina, its presence has been restricted to four isolated fragments. Here we examine the genetic diversity and differentiation among three of them, including the three different patches that form the southernmost population, using 18 microsatellite markers genotyped by Amplicon Sequencing of DNA extracted from fecal samples. Genetic diversity was low (HE < 0.45) in all three populations studied. We found three genetic clusters compatible with the geographic location of the samples. We also found a metapopulation dynamics that involves the patches that make up the southernmost population, with evidence of a barrier to gene flow between two of them. Our results point to the creation of a corridor as a necessary and urgent management action. This is the first study, at the population level, employing microsatellite genotyping by Amplicon Sequencing with non-invasive samples in an endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a commonly used copolymer. It is widely employed, especially in additive manufacturing (AM), a newly developed and open-ended production method. It can be used in medical applications due to its biocompatible behaviour and performance characteristics. Though there are a few disadvantages of the AM, improving the sample's mechanical properties are possible by applying pre-processing to the filament (dehumidification) or choosing the correct printing parameters. Nevertheless, surface quality is limited regardless of the mechanical properties and printing parameters. For this reason, finishing, called post-processing, is often preferred. ABS post-process application is made with an acetone vapour atmosphere. However, this application is a chemical process. This chemical process could change the properties of the ABS sample. This paper investigates the effect of post-processing on the ABS sample. According to reference samples, the change in porosity values was measured from 30 to 60%. In addition, as the post-processing time increased, the hue of the samples shifted from yellow to blue and from dark to light. Further, increased acetone vapour exposure decreased the bending and tensile test results. The impact of acetone vapour exposure on the toughness of ABS polymer has yielded conflicting results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based structures have attracted attention due to their unique properties, combining excellent chemical, thermal mechanical, and electrical features. The use of microwave irradiation has been used to produce graphene materials and the identification of optimum synthesis parameters is crucial for the production of high-quality carbon structures. Herein, we describe a detailed temperature study for the production of expanded graphite nanosheets (GNs) via intercalation of sulfuric and nitric acids, followed by a rapid and energy-efficient process of microwave-assisted expansion and exfoliation. The results demonstrate that the proposed methodology was efficient in producing high-quality GNs with a size of approximately 1 nm. The temperature investigation revealed that heat treatment of 800 °C was the best, resulting in a high-quality material, achieving maximum expansion with the lowest weight loss related to thermal degradation. Thus, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests confirmed good electrochemical features of the sample produced at a temperature of 800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The function of many bacterial processes depends on the formation of functional membrane microdomains (FMMs), which resemble the lipid rafts of eukaryotic cells. However, the mechanism and the biological function of these membrane microdomains remain unclear. Here, we show that FMMs in the pathogen methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are dedicated to confining and stabilizing proteins unfolded due to cellular stress. The FMM scaffold protein flotillin forms a clamp-shaped oligomer that holds unfolded proteins, stabilizing them and favoring their correct folding. This process does not impose a direct energy cost on the cell and is crucial to survival of ATP-depleted bacteria, and thus to pathogenesis. Consequently, FMM disassembling causes the accumulation of unfolded proteins, which compromise MRSA viability during infection and cause penicillin re-sensitization due to PBP2a unfolding. Thus, our results indicate that FMMs mediate ATP-independent stabilization of unfolded proteins, which is essential for bacterial viability during infection. The function of many bacterial processes depends on the formation of functional membrane microdomains (FMMs), which resemble the lipid rafts of eukaryotic cells. Here, Ukleja et al. show that FMMs mediate ATP-independent stabilization of unfolded proteins, which is essential for bacterial viability under cellular stress and during infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience and social support are variables related to life satisfaction. Nonetheless, these relationships could be different for boys and girls. This study aimed to analyze the links among life satisfaction, resilience (novelty seeking, emotional regulation and future positive orientation) and social support in early adolescents by exploring possible gender differences. In this study, 552 adolescents aged 10–13 years (52% girls) participated. The results showed stronger positive correlations between life satisfaction and novelty seeking in boys, and positive correlations between life satisfaction and emotional regulation only for girls. Social support was a significant predictor of life satisfaction for both genders, but some resilience dimensions showed differences in their predictive capacity according to gender. Emotional regulation and future positive orientation were predictors of life satisfaction, but only for girls, while novelty seeking was a predictor of life satisfaction for boys. These results highlight the importance of maintaining a gender perspective in research on life satisfaction in early adolescence, and the need to consider gender differences in interventions to enhance their positive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report single-phase superconducting face-centered cubic (FCC) intermetallic high-entropy alloys (HEAs) synthesized via splat cooling. The technique gives incredibly sharp diffraction peaks and superconducting transitions in resistivity measurements than reported in conventional arc melting. The single-phase materials fall at electron counts in the HEA superconductor alloy family where structural stability and optimal superconducting electron counts clash. The materials' superconducting properties follow the general trends published for metallic alloys. Insights are provided as to why an FCC structure may be stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unreported rhenium-based calcium aluminum sodalite (CARe sodalite) has been synthesized by a traditional solid-state method. The rhenium is located in the sodalite β-cage and can be reduced under 5% H2 forming gas without breaking the cage framework. Preliminary characterizations of the structural, optical, and magnetic properties are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the mediating roles of psychological inflexibility and differential coping strategies on perceived stress and post-traumatic symptoms and growth in the context of COVID-19. Study one recruited 662 participants (54.8% women; Mage = 40.64 years, SD = 13.04) who completed a cross-sectional questionnaire. It was proposed that orientation to the problem, avoidance strategies, psychological inflexibility, and positive attitude were mediators for the positive association between perceived stress and PTSD symptoms. The fit indices for the path model were excellent: CFI = 0.977, TLI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.057 [90%CI = 0.043–0.081], and SRMS = 0.042. Gender and stressful events encountered had indirect effects on the endogenous variables. In study two, 128 participants (57.8% women; Mage = 42.30, SD = 12.08) were assessed for post-traumatic growth one year later. Psychological inflexibility and orientation acted as mediators between perceived stress and PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, a novel path model was constructed in which psychological inflexibility and orientation to the problem as mediators for perceived stress and PTSD symptoms. The indices for the path model were excellent: CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.055 [90%CI = 0.001–0.144], and SRMS = 0.49. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms, psychological inflexibility, and orientation to the problem predicted post-traumatic growth. Specifically, both orientation to the problem (β =.06 [90%CI:.01;.13]) and psychological inflexibility (β =.14 [90%CI:.08;.26]) had an indirect effect on post-traumatic growth. Overall, these results significantly contribute to the literature as orientation to the problem positively predicted PTSD symptoms and post-traumatic growth one year later while psychological inflexibility predicted PTSD symptoms and less post-traumatic growth one year later. These results underline the importance of assessing both symptomology and psychological growth to determine adaptive coping strategies in specific contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan is made of glycan strands crosslinked by short peptide stems. Crosslinks are catalyzed by DD-transpeptidases (4,3-crosslinks) and LD-transpeptidases (3,3-crosslinks). However, recent research on non-model species has revealed novel crosslink types, suggesting the existence of uncharacterized enzymes. Here, we identify an LD-transpeptidase, LDTGo, that generates 1,3-crosslinks in the acetic-acid bacterium Gluconobacter oxydans. LDTGo-like proteins are found in Alpha- and Betaproteobacteria lacking LD3,3-transpeptidases. In contrast with the strict specificity of typical LD- and DD-transpeptidases, LDTGo can use non-terminal amino acid moieties for crosslinking. A high-resolution crystal structure of LDTGo reveals unique features when compared to LD3,3-transpeptidases, including a proline-rich region that appears to limit substrate access, and a cavity accommodating both glycan chain and peptide stem from donor muropeptides. Finally, we show that DD-crosslink turnover is involved in supplying the necessary substrate for LD1,3-transpeptidation. This phenomenon underscores the interplay between distinct crosslinking mechanisms in maintaining cell wall integrity in G. oxydans. The cell-wall peptidoglycan in model bacteria typically includes 4,3- and 3,3-crosslinks, catalysed by DD- and LD-transpeptidases, respectively. Here, the authors identify and characterise the activity and structure of an LD-transpeptidase that generates a new type of crosslink (1,3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key summary points: Aim: To evaluate inspiratory muscle function and the effect of a multicomponent exercise program including inspiratory muscle training during short-stay hospitalization. Findings: Inspiratory muscle impairment is very prevalent in the hospitalized elderly. Analysis of maximal inhibitory pressure revealed that those patients with inspiratory muscle weakness on admission showed the greatest improvement in inspiratory muscle strength. Message: These findings are especially relevant to identify those oldest-old patients who may benefit most from muscle inspiratory training during hospitalization for acute illness. Purpose: The impact of hospitalization for acute illness on inspiratory muscle strength in oldest-old patients is largely unknown, as are the potential benefits of exercise and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) during in-hospital stay. Design and methods: This was a sub-study of a randomized clinical trial that evaluated the efficiency of a multicomponent exercise program in preventing hospitalization-associated disability. Patients were randomized into control (CG) and intervention (IG) groups. The intervention included two daily sessions of supervised walking, squat, balance, and IMT. Baseline and discharge maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) were determined. The effect of the intervention on inspiratory muscle strength was assessed by analyzing (1) the differences between groups in baseline and discharge MIP and IMW, (2) the association, patient by patient, between baseline and discharge MIP, and the improvement index (MIP discharge/baseline) in patients with or without IMW. Results: In total, 174 patients were assessed (mean age of 87), 57 in CG and 117 in IG. Baseline MIP was lower than predicted in both sexes (women 29.7 vs 44.3; men 36.7 vs 62.5 cmH2O, P < 0.001, baseline vs predicted, respectively). More than 65% of patients showed IMW at admission. In women in IG, the mean MIP was higher at discharge than at admission (P = 0.003) and was the only variable that reached expected reference levels at discharge (Measured MIP 39.2 vs predicted MIP 45 cmH2O, P = 0.883). Patients with IMW on admission showed a statistically significant improvement in MIP after the intervention. Conclusion: IMW is very prevalent in oldest-old hospitalized with acute illness. Patients might benefit from a multicomponent exercise program including IMT, even during short-stay hospitalization. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NTC03604640. May 3, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration of Twitter users to Mastodon following Elon Musk's acquisition presents a unique opportunity to study collective behavior and gain insights into the drivers of coordinated behavior in online media. We analyzed the social network and the public conversations of about 75,000 migrated users and observed that the temporal trace of their migrations is compatible with a phenomenon of social influence, as described by a compartmental epidemic model of information diffusion. Drawing from prior research on behavioral change, we delved into the factors that account for variations of the effectiveness of the influence process across different Twitter communities. Communities in which the influence process unfolded more rapidly exhibit lower density of social connections, higher levels of signaled commitment to migrating, and more emphasis on shared identity and exchange of factual knowledge in the community discussion. These factors account collectively for 57% of the variance in the observed data. Our results highlight the joint importance of network structure, commitment, and psycho-linguistic aspects of social interactions in characterizing grassroots collective action, and contribute to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that drive processes of behavior change of online groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by many risk loci with potential associations with different traits and diseases. AD, characterized by a progressive loss of neuronal functions, manifests with different symptoms such as decline in memory, movement, coordination, and speech. The mechanisms underlying the onset of AD are not always fully understood, but involve a multiplicity of factors. Early diagnosis of AD plays a central role as it can offer the possibility of early treatment, which can slow disease progression. Currently, the methods of diagnosis are cognitive testing, neuroimaging, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis that can be time-consuming, expensive, invasive, and not always accurate. In the present study, we performed a genetic correlation analysis using genome-wide association statistics from a large study of AD and UK Biobank, to examine the association of AD with other human traits and disorders. In addition, since hippocampus, a part of cerebral cortex could play a central role in several traits that are associated with AD; we analyzed the gene expression profiles of hippocampus of AD patients applying 4 different artificial neural network models. We found 65 traits correlated with AD grouped into 9 clusters: medical conditions, fluid intelligence, education, anthropometric measures, employment status, activity, diet, lifestyle, and sexuality. The comparison of different 4 neural network models along with feature selection methods on 5 Alzheimer’s gene expression datasets showed that the simple basic neural network model obtains a better performance (66% of accuracy) than other more complex methods with dropout and weight regularization of the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Glucose and redox metabolism characterization in mouse antral follicles with meiotically blocked oocytes, after in vitro follicle culture (IFC) from the early secondary stage. Methods: Following IFC (10 days), oocytes, corresponding cumulus (CC), and granulosa cells (GC) were collected from antral follicles: (i) on day 9—immature, germinal vesicle (GV) stage; (ii) on day 10, after hCG/EGF stimulation—mature, metaphase II (MII) stage and meiotically blocked (MB) immature GV stage. The metabolic profiles of all samples (GV, MII, and MB) were compared by measuring changes in metabolites involved in glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and redox activity via enzymatic spectrophotometric assays in each cell type. Results: Within MB follicles, GCs drive higher levels of glycolysis and lactic acid fermentation (LAF) while oocytes exert more PPP activity. MB-oocytes had significantly larger diameters compared to day 9 GVs. MB follicles revealed limited metabolic changes in the somatic compartment compared to their GV counterparts (before stimulation). MB-CCs showed increased aconitase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities with lower malate levels comparted to GV-CCs. MB and MII in vitro grown follicles displayed comparable metabolic profiles, suggesting culture induces metabolic exhaustion regardless of the maturation stage. Conclusions: Current results suggest that in addition to impaired nuclear maturation, metabolic disruption is present in MB follicles. MB follicles either compensate with high levels of TCA cycle and PPP activities in CCs, or are unable to drive proper levels of aerobic metabolism, which might be due to the current culture conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The current in silico study features a patient who underwent Norwood arch reconstruction to compare hemodynamic and energy-based indices between the image-based pre-operative reconstructed geometry (i.e., Pre-op) and a virtual post-operative reconstruction (i.e., Post-op). We hypothesized that the Post-op geometry would be associated with decreased afterload and increased stroke volume, consequently leading to a decrease in single ventricle workload as well as more favorable hemodynamic indices (i.e., decreased oscillatory shear index (OSI) and increased time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS)), particularly within the reconstructed region. Recent Findings: Computational modeling can facilitate assessment of energy and hemodynamic alterations for difficult surgical procedures including the Norwood operation where outcomes remain suboptimal with high interstage mortality and frequent reoperations. Summary: A patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was created from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, blood flow, and blood pressure data. Virtual reconstruction was implemented based on surgeon and clinician input. Resulting simulations incorporated downstream vascular resistance and compliance to replicate patient physiology using 3-element Windkessel representations to quantify TAWSS and OSI locally. A closed-loop heart model was used to determine global differences in energy efficiency (Eeff), energy loss (EL), and cardiac workload. WSS indices generally improved with virtual arch geometry reconstruction, which resulted in only modest changes in EL, Eeff, and cardiac workload. A framework to implement and compare virtual arch reconstruction is presented. Results show that more drastic changes in geometry may need to be implemented if the virtual reconstruction is to yield a significant impact on indices of cardiac function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains an effective treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) and large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, to date, it remains unclear whether MT is safe in patients on treatment with OAC. Aims: In our study, we performed a propensity-matched analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of MT in patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving anticoagulants. A propensity score method was used to target the causal inference of the observational study design. Methods: This observational, prospective, single-centre study included consecutive patients with acute LVO ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation. Demographic, neuro-imaging and clinical data were collected and compared according to the anticoagulation status at baseline, patients on OAC vs those not on OAC. The primary study outcomes were the occurrence of any intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and symptomatic ICH. The secondary study outcomes were functional independence at 90 days after stroke (defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 0 through 2), mortality at 3 months and successful reperfusion rate according to the modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score. Results: Overall, our cohort included 573 patients with acute ischemic stroke and LVO treated with MT. After propensity score matching, 495 patients were matched (99 OAC group vs 396 no OAC group). There were no differences in terms of clinical characteristics between the two groups, except for the rate of intravenous thrombolysis less frequently given in the OAC group. There was no significant difference in terms of the rate of any ICH and symptomatic ICH between the two groups. With regards to the secondary study outcome, there was no significant difference in terms of the rate of successful recanalization post-procedure and functional independence at 3 months between the two groups. Patients in the OAC group showed a reduced mortality rate at 90 days compared to the patients with no previous use of anticoagulation (20.2% vs 21.2%, p = 0.031). Logistic regression analysis did not reveal a statistically significant influence of the anticoagulation status on the likelihood of any ICH (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.46–1.97, p = 0.900) and symptomatic ICH (OR = 4.87, 95% CI = 0.64–37.1, p = 0.127). Our analysis showed also that pre-admission anticoagulant use was not associated with functional independence at 90 days after stroke (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.39–1.48, p = 0.422) and rate of successful reperfusion (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.38–1.72, p = 0.582). Conclusion: According to our findings anticoagulation status at baseline did not raise any suggestion of safety and efficacy concerns when MT treatment is provided according to the standard guidelines. Confirmation of these results in larger controlled prospective cohorts is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interacting electrons in one dimension (1D) are governed by the Luttinger liquid (LL) theory in which excitations are fractionalized. Can a LL-like state emerge in a 2D system as a stable zero-temperature phase? This question is crucial in the study of non-Fermi liquids. A recent experiment identified twisted bilayer tungsten ditelluride (tWTe2) as a 2D host of LL-like physics at a few kelvins. Here we report evidence for a 2D anisotropic LL state down to 50 mK, spontaneously formed in tWTe2 with a twist angle of ~ 3o. While the system is metallic-like and nearly isotropic above 2 K, a dramatically enhanced electronic anisotropy develops in the millikelvin regime. In the anisotropic phase, we observe characteristics of a 2D LL phase including a power-law across-wire conductance and a zero-bias dip in the along-wire differential resistance. Our results represent a step forward in the search for stable LL physics beyond 1D. Recently, a Luttinger liquid state was reported in a moiré superlattice of bilayer tungsten ditelluride at small twist angles and temperatures of a few kelvins. Here, the authors extend this result to millikelvin temperatures, supporting the existence of the 2D anisotropic Luttinger liquid as a stable ground state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic defects in the solid state are a key component of quantum repeater networks for long-distance quantum communication1. Recently, there has been significant interest in rare earth ions2–4, in particular Er3+ for its telecom band optical transition5–7 that allows long-distance transmission in optical fibres. However, the development of repeater nodes based on rare earth ions has been hampered by optical spectral diffusion, precluding indistinguishable single-photon generation. Here, we implant Er3+ into CaWO4, a material that combines a non-polar site symmetry, low decoherence from nuclear spins8 and is free of background rare earth ions, to realize significantly reduced optical spectral diffusion. For shallow implanted ions coupled to nanophotonic cavities with large Purcell factor, we observe single-scan optical linewidths of 150 kHz and long-term spectral diffusion of 63 kHz, both close to the Purcell-enhanced radiative linewidth of 21 kHz. This enables the observation of Hong–Ou–Mandel interference9 between successively emitted photons with a visibility of V = 80(4)%, measured after a 36 km delay line. We also observe spin relaxation times T1,s = 3.7 s and T2,s > 200 μs, with the latter limited by paramagnetic impurities in the crystal instead of nuclear spins. This represents a notable step towards the construction of telecom band quantum repeater networks with single Er3+ ions.Er3+ is implanted into CaWO4, a material with non-polar site symmetry free of background rare earth ions, to realize reduced optical spectral diffusion in nanophotonic devices, representing a step towards making telecom band quantum repeater networks with single ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Implementation of guideline-recommended depression screening in oncology presents numerous challenges. Implementation strategies that are responsive to local context may be critical elements of adoption and sustainment. We evaluated barriers and facilitators to implementation of a depression screening program for breast cancer patients in a community medical oncology setting as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods: Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we employed qualitative methods to evaluate clinician, administrator, and patient perceptions of the program using semi-structured interviews. We used a team-coding approach for the data; thematic development focused on barriers and facilitators to implementation using a grounded theory approach. The codebook was refined through open discussions of subjectivity and unintentional bias, coding, and memo applications (including emergent coding), and the hierarchical structure and relationships of themes. Results: We conducted 20 interviews with 11 clinicians/administrators and 9 patients. Five major themes emerged: (1) gradual acceptance and support of the intervention and workflow; (2) compatibility with system and personal norms and goals; (3) reinforcement of the value of and need for adaptability; (4) self-efficacy within the nursing team; and (5) importance of identifying accountable front-line staff beyond leadership “champions.” Conclusions: Findings suggest a high degree of acceptability and feasibility due to the selection of appropriate implementation strategies, alignment of norms and goals, and a high degree of workflow adaptability. These findings will be uniquely helpful in generating actionable, real-world knowledge to inform the design, implementation, and sustainment of guideline-recommended depression screening programs in oncology. Trial Registration: #NCT02941614 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leveraging genome-wide association statistics generated from a large study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; 29,612 cases and 122,656 controls) and UK Biobank (UKB; 4,024 phenotypes, up to 361,194 participants), we conducted a phenome-wide analysis of ALS genetic liability and identified 46 genetically correlated traits, such as fluid intelligence score (rg = − 0.21, p = 1.74 × 10–6), "spending time in pub or social club" (rg = 0.24, p = 2.77 × 10–6), non-work related walking (rg = − 0.25, p = 1.95 × 10–6), college education (rg = − 0.15, p = 7.08 × 10–5), "ever diagnosed with panic attacks (rg = 0.39, p = 4.24 × 10–5), and "self-reported other gastritis including duodenitis" (rg = 0.28, p = 1.4 × 10–3). To assess the putative directionality of these genetic correlations, we conducted a latent causal variable analysis, identifying significant genetic causality proportions (gĉp) linking ALS genetic liability to seven traits. While the genetic component of "self-reported other gastritis including duodenitis" showed a causal effect on ALS (gĉp = 0.50, p = 1.26 × 10–29), the genetic liability to ALS is potentially causal for multiple traits, also including an effect on "ever being diagnosed with panic attacks" (gĉp = 0.79, p = 5.011 × 10–15) and inverse effects on "other leisure/social group activities" (gĉp = 0.66, p = 1 × 10–4) and prospective memory result (gĉp = 0.35, p = 0.005). Our subsequent Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that some of these associations may be due to bidirectional effects. In conclusion, this phenome-wide investigation of ALS polygenic architecture highlights the widespread pleiotropy linking this disorder with several health domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence and response to an exercise and health education program to prevent hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) in acutely hospitalized older adults. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting and Participants: Secondary analysis of a subset of 109 participants from AGECAR-PLUS study with available data on MedDiet adherence (mean age 87, and range 75–98). Intervention: Participants were randomized into the control group (n = 46, usual care) or the intervention group (n = 63, supervised exercise and health education) at admission. Measurements: MedDiet adherence was measured with MEDAS and through urinary total polyphenols (UTP). Functional status was assessed with the Barthel Index. Results: At discharge, patients in the intervention group who had low levels of MedDiet or UTP showed an increase in functional status [adjusted mean (95% CI) = 77.8 (70.8–84.8) points, p = 0.005, and adjusted mean (95% CI) = 78.0 (68.3–87.7) points, p = 0.020, respectively]. Conclusion: Older individuals over age 75 with low MedDiet adherence were likely to benefit more from a physical exercise and health education intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic toroidicity is an uncommon type of magnetic structure in solid-state materials. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that collinear spins in a material with R-3 lattice symmetry can host a significant magnetic toroidicity, even parallel to the ordered spins. Taking advantage of a single crystal sample of CoTe6O13 with an R-3 space group and a Co2+ triangular sublattice, temperature-dependent magnetic, thermodynamic, and neutron diffraction results reveal A-type antiferromagnetic order below 19.5 K, with magnetic point group -3′ and k = (0,0,0). Our symmetry analysis suggests that the missing mirror symmetry in the lattice could lead to the local spin canting for a toroidal moment along the c axis. Experimentally, we observe a large off-diagonal magnetoelectric coefficient of 41.2 ps/m that evidences the magnetic toroidicity. In addition, the paramagnetic state exhibits a large effective moment per Co2+, indicating that the magnetic moment in CoTe6O13 has a significant orbital contribution. CoTe6O13 embodies an excellent opportunity for the study of next-generation functional magnetoelectric materials.Magnetoelectric coupling, where magnetic and electronic order is linked, allows for the control of magnetism via an electric field and vice versa, potentially offering new approaches to data storage, sensors, actuators and wealth of other devices. Here, using a diverse array of experimental probes, Xu et al show the emergence of both diagonal and off-diagonal magnetoelectric coupling in CoTe6O13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the synthesis of SiO2/Nb2O5 and SiO2/ZnS heterostructures using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method, which is fast and has low temperature. The silica used in the synthesis was obtained by burning the rice husk without any pre- or post-treatments. The obtained samples were characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV-visible. The obtained silica was found to be amorphous, and the materials used for modification showed characteristic of the type of synthesis used. SEM images showed that Nb2O5 and ZnS interacted with the SiO2 surface, filling the voids. In the photocatalytic process, the heterostructures showed enhanced decolorization efficiency for dyes such as rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) compared to SiO2. For RhB, the silica decolorized approximately 24%, and for MB, it discolored approximately 27%; SiO2/Nb2O5 showed 91.24% decolorization efficiency for RhB and 72.77% MB, while SiO2/ZnS showed approximately 96% for RhB and 100% for MB. All samples were tested under the same conditions. This demonstrates that the use of rice husk residue not only improves the photocatalytic activity of heterostructures but also promotes the utilization of improperly discarded residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) models trained for triggering clinical decision support (CDS) are typically either accurate or interpretable but not both. Scaling CDS to the panoply of clinical use cases while mitigating risks to patients will require many ML models be intuitively interpretable for clinicians. To this end, we adapted a symbolic regression method, coined the feature engineering automation tool (FEAT), to train concise and accurate models from high-dimensional electronic health record (EHR) data. We first present an in-depth application of FEAT to classify hypertension, hypertension with unexplained hypokalemia, and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) using EHR data for 1200 subjects receiving longitudinal care in a large healthcare system. FEAT models trained to predict phenotypes adjudicated by chart review had equivalent or higher discriminative performance (p < 0.001) and were at least three times smaller (p < 1 × 10−6) than other potentially interpretable models. For aTRH, FEAT generated a six-feature, highly discriminative (positive predictive value = 0.70, sensitivity = 0.62), and clinically intuitive model. To assess the generalizability of the approach, we tested FEAT on 25 benchmark clinical phenotyping tasks using the MIMIC-III critical care database. Under comparable dimensionality constraints, FEAT's models exhibited higher area under the receiver-operating curve scores than penalized linear models across tasks (p < 6 × 10−6). In summary, FEAT can train EHR prediction models that are both intuitively interpretable and accurate, which should facilitate safe and effective scaling of ML-triggered CDS to the panoply of potential clinical use cases and healthcare practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the first observation of the concurrent breakdown of the strange metal (SM) normal state and superconductivity at a pressure-induced quantum critical point in Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.97Pt0.03)2As2)5 superconductor. We find that, upon suppressing the superconducting state, the power exponent (α) changes from 1 to 2, and the slope of the temperature-linear resistivity per FeAs layer (A□) gradually diminishes. At a critical pressure, A□ and superconducting transition temperature (Tc) go to zero concurrently, where a quantum phase transition from a superconducting state with a SM normal state to a non-superconducting Fermi liquid state occurs. Scaling analysis reveals that the change of A□ with Tc obeys the relation of Tc ~ (A□)0.5, similar to what is seen in other chemically doped unconventional superconductors. These results suggest that there is a simple but powerful organizational principle of connecting the SM normal state with the high-Tc superconductivity. The strange metal state, characterized by a linear-in-temperature resistivity, is often seen in the normal state of high-temperature superconductors. Here, the authors report the breakdown of both the strange metal and superconducting states at a pressure-induced quantum critical point in an iron-pnictide superconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbulence closure schemes, besides their intrinsic theoretical importance, represent a fundamental component in the atmospheric numerical models. Among his numerous and diverse scientific contributions, Prof. Sergej S. Zilitinkevich, with his coauthors, elaborated a turbulence closure model for stably-stratified geophysical flows, the Energy and Flux Budget (EFB) model. This closure has been verified and applied on many different experimental datasets and case studies, for steady state and homogeneous conditions. Having available observational datasets for urban and suburban sites in different cities in Italy, we investigate the deviation of the observations of turbulent kinetic energy and momentum flux from the EFB turbulence closure model in heterogeneous conditions. This allows addressing and interpreting the features that induce such deviation between the model and the observations. The EFB model is then revisited including residual terms that can account for the non-stationarity and heterogeneity of the considered cases. The correction with the residual terms leads to improve the agreement between the theoretical formulations and the observed behaviour for the turbulent kinetic energy shares and for the vertical momentum flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a dynamic non-linear mathematical approach for modeling the course of disease in acquired brain injury (ABI) patients. Data from a multicentric study were used to evaluate the reliability of the Michaelis–Menten (MM) model applied to well-known clinical variables that assess the outcome of ABI patients. The sample consisted of 156 ABI patients admitted to eight neurorehabilitation subacute units and evaluated at baseline (T0), 4 months after the event (T1) and at discharge (T2). The MM model was used to characterize the trend of the first Principal Component Analysis (PCA) dimension (represented by the variables: feeding modality, RLAS, ERBI-A, Tracheostomy, CRS-r and ERBI-B) in order to predict the most plausible outcome, in terms of positive or negative Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at discharge. Exploring the evolution of the PCA dimension 1 over time, after day 86 the MM model better differentiated between the time course for individuals with a positive and negative GOS (accuracy: 85%; sensitivity: 90.6%; specificity: 62.5%). The non-linear dynamic mathematical model can be used to provide more comprehensive trajectories of the clinical evolution of ABI patients during the rehabilitation period. Our model can be used to address patients for interventions designed for a specific outcome trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial cell wall is essential for maintenance of cell shape and resistance to external stressors1. The primary structural component of the cell wall is peptidoglycan, a glycopolymer with peptide crosslinks located outside of the cell membrane1. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis and structure are responsive to shifting environmental conditions such as pH and salinity2–6, but the mechanisms underlying such adaptations are incompletely understood. Precursors of peptidoglycan and other cell surface glycopolymers are synthesized in the cytoplasm and then delivered across the cell membrane bound to the recyclable lipid carrier undecaprenyl phosphate7 (C55-P, also known as UndP). Here we identify the DUF368-containing and DedA transmembrane protein families as candidate C55-P translocases, filling a critical gap in knowledge of the proteins required for the biogenesis of microbial cell surface polymers. Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria lacking their cognate DUF368-containing protein exhibited alkaline-dependent cell wall and viability defects, along with increased cell surface C55-P levels. pH-dependent synthetic genetic interactions between DUF368-containing proteins and DedA family members suggest that C55-P transporter usage is dynamic and modulated by environmental inputs. C55-P transporter activity was required by the cholera pathogen for growth and cell shape maintenance in the intestine. We propose that conditional transporter reliance provides resilience in lipid carrier recycling, bolstering microbial fitness both inside and outside the host.Members of the DUF368-containing and DedA transmembrane protein families have conditional roles in undecaprenyl phosphate translocation in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and may have a widely conserved function in the biogenesis of microbial cell surface glycopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During growth and division, the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (PG) is remodelled, resulting in the liberation of PG muropeptides which are typically reinternalized and recycled. Bacteria belonging to the Rhizobiales and Rhodobacterales orders of the Alphaproteobacteria lack the muropeptide transporter AmpG, despite having other key PG recycling enzymes. Here, we show that an alternative transporter, YejBEF-YepA, takes over this role in the Rhizobiales phytopathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Muropeptide import by YejBEF-YepA governs expression of the β-lactamase AmpC in A. tumefaciens, contributing to β-lactam resistance. However, we show that the absence of YejBEF-YepA causes severe cell wall defects that go far beyond lowered AmpC activity. Thus, contrary to previously established Gram-negative models, PG recycling is vital for cell wall integrity in A. tumefaciens. YepA is widespread in the Rhizobiales and Rhodobacterales, suggesting that YejBEF-YepA-mediated PG recycling could represent an important but overlooked aspect of cell wall biology in these bacteria. Some bacteria use the muropeptide transporter AmpG for uptake and recycling of cell wall fragments that are released during cell growth and division. Here, Gilmore & Cava show that the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which lacks an AmpG homologue, uses a different type of transporter for the same function, which is essential for normal growth in this organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical fitness, cardiopulmonary function and patient-reported severity of symptoms in people with post-COVID-19 condition. We examined ambulatory patients (n = 72) with post-COVID-19 condition who had a chronic symptomatic phase lasting > 12 weeks from the onset of symptoms, but had not been hospitalized for acute COVID-19. A comprehensive medical screening was conducted, including clinical history, symptomatology, comorbidities, body composition and physical activity levels. We then identified the relationship between physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength), cardiopulmonary function (echocardiographic and spirometry parameters) and patient-reported severity of symptoms (fatigue, dyspnea, health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression). Age, body mass index, sex, number of comorbidities and duration of symptoms were included as potential confounders. Results showed that greater physical fitness and cardiopulmonary function were associated with lower severity of symptoms in people with post-COVID-19 condition. Cardiorespiratory fitness, lower-limb muscle strength, maximal voluntary ventilation and left ventricular ejection fraction account for reducing fatigue and dyspnea. Greater physical activity levels were associated with fewer symptoms and less-severe fatigue and dyspnea. In conclusion, preserving better cardiopulmonary health and physical condition during the course of the disease—even in mild cases—was related to a lower intensity of symptoms in non-hospitalized people with post-COVID-19 condition. It is probable that exercise and physical conditioning are valuable pre- and post-COVID-19 countermeasures that could help decrease the severity, not only of acute infection, but of post-COVID-19 persistent symptoms and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frost effects on savanna plant communities have been considered as analogous to those from fire, both changing community structure and filtering species composition. However, while frost impacts have been well-studied for the woody component of savannas, it is still poorly explored for the ground-layer community. Here, we investigated effects of frost in the Cerrado along a gradient of tree cover, focusing on ground-layer plant species, near the southern limit of the Cerrado in Brazil. We aimed to elucidate if the pattern already described for the tree layer also extends to the ground layer in terms of mimicking the effects of fire on vegetation structure and composition. We assessed how damage severity differs across species and across the tree-cover gradient, and we examined the recovery process after frost in terms of richness and community structure along the canopy cover gradient. Frost caused immediate and widespread dieback of the perennial ground-layer, with greatest impact on community structure where tree cover was lowest. However, frost did not reduce the number of species, indicating community resilience to this natural disturbance. Although frost mimicked the effects of fire in some ways, in other ways it differed substantially from fire. Unlike fire, frost increases litter cover and decreases the proportion of bare soil, likely hindering crucial processes for recovery of plant populations, such as seed dispersal, seed germination and plant resprouting. This finding calls attention to the risk of misguided conclusions when the ground layer is neglected in ecological studies of tropical savannas and grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) using polyethylene glycol microspheres (PEGM) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and methods: This multicentric prospective study enrolled 81 patients who underwent PAE with 400 ± 75 µm PEGM (HydroPearl®, Terumo, Japan). Results from baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups were assessed for subjective outcomes including International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), Quality of life (QoL), and International Index of Erectile Function, and objective outcomes such as peak urinary flow (Qmax) and post-void residual volume (PVR). The visual analogue scale, satisfaction questionnaire, prostatic volume, and prostatic specific antigen levels were also evaluated. Complications were documented using the modified Clavien–Dindo classification. Results: Technical success was obtained in all patients. Clinical success was achieved in 78.5% of patients. Before PAE, 54.3% of patients had an indwelling catheter which was removed in 75% of them after procedure. A statistically significant decrease was observed in IPSS and QoL from baseline to 12 months (20.14 vs 5.89; 4.8 vs 0.63, P <.01), respectively. Objective outcomes also showed a statistically significant improvement in Qmax (+ 114.9%; P <.01), achieving a maximum urinary flow of 14.2 mL/sec, and PVR (decrease 58%; P <.05) at 12 months. Minor complications (Clavien–Dindo grades I–II) occurred in 13.6% of patients, without major complications observed. Conclusion: PAE with PEGM is safe and effective treatment in patients with symptomatic BPH, with a significant improvement in both subjective and objective outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]