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Pathogen avoidance behaviours are often assumed to be an adaptive host defence. However, there is limited experimental data on heritable, intrapopulation phenotypic variation for avoidance, a strong prerequisite for adaptive responses to selection. We investigated trophic pathogen avoidance in 122 inbred Drosophila melanogaster lines, and in a derived outbred population. Using the FlyPAD system, we tracked the feeding choice that flies made between substrates that were either clean or contained a bacterial pathogen. We uncovered significant, but weakly heritable variation in the preference index amongst fly lines. However, instead of avoidance, most lines demonstrated a preference for substrates containing several bacterial pathogens, showing avoidance only for extremely high bacterial concentrations. Bacterial preference was not associated with susceptibility to infection and was retained in flies with disrupted immune signalling. Phenotype–genotype association analysis indicated several novel genes (CG2321, CG2006, and ptp99A) associated with increased preference for the bacterial substrate, while the amino‐acid transporter sobremesa was associated with greater aversion. Given the known fitness benefits of consuming high‐protein diets, our results suggest that bacterial attraction may instead reflect a dietary preference for protein over carbohydrate. More work quantifying intrapopulation variation in avoidance behaviours is needed to fully assess its importance in host–pathogen evolutionary ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of heterogeneous electrodes with high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity is a crucial goal. Achieving this using a simple and low‐cost method is essential for wastewater purification by anodic oxidation combined with peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Herein, TiO2–CaTiO3(CTO)‐Cu2O–Cu heterojunction electrodes are prepared by mixing CaCu3Ti4O12 with different amounts of graphene oxide (GO). The different mixtures are pressed into pellets and sintered under inert atmosphere at 1100 °C for 3 h. The obtained pellets are used as anodes for PMS activation in the electrocatalysis. The efficiency of paracetamol (PCM) removal reaches its maximum (93%) after 90 min using the CTO–Cu–5GO electrode in a solution containing 10 ppm PCM, 210 mL sodium sulfate, and 0.5 mM PMS. The higher amount of metallic copper in this anode promotes the generation of radicals to effectively degrade PCM. In optimal conditions (1.2 V versus Ag/AgCl, 1 mM PMS, and 10 ppm PCM), PCM is completely removed in 45 min. According to the quenching test results, •O2− and •OH are the radicals generated during PCM degradation, and •O2− plays the main role. In this work, insights are provided into the rational combination of different metal oxides with TiO2 as a heterostructure electrode to ensure high mineralization of pharmaceuticals by electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (HP), a common microanaerobic bacteria that lives in the human mouth and stomach, is reported to infect ≈50% of the global population. The current diagnostic methods for HP are either invasive, time‐consuming, or harmful. Therefore, a noninvasive and label‐free HP diagnostic method needs to be developed urgently. Herein, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is composited with different metal‐based materials to construct a graphene‐based electronic nose (e‐nose), which exhibits excellent sensitivity and cross‐reactive response to several gases in exhaled breath (EB). Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that four typical types of gases in EB can be well discriminated. Additionally, the potential of the e‐nose in label‐free detection of HP infection is demonstrated through the measurement and analysis of EB samples. Furthermore, a prototype of an e‐nose device is designed and constructed for automatic EB detection and HP diagnosis. The accuracy of the prototype machine integrated with the graphene‐based e‐nose can reach 92% and 91% in the training and validation sets, respectively. These results demonstrate that the highly sensitive graphene‐based e‐nose has great potential for the label‐free diagnosis of HP and may become a novel tool for non‐invasive disease screening and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, currently affecting nearly 20 million individuals worldwide. Due to the absence of universally effective treatments, ongoing research explores diverse strategies to combat this disease. Recent efforts have concentrated on developing combined drug regimens and targeted therapeutic approaches. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anticancer efficacy of a conjugated drug system, consisting of doxorubicin and cisplatin (Dox‐Cis), encapsulated within niosomes and modified with MUC‐1 aptamers to enhance biocompatibility and target specific cancer cells. Methods: The chemical structure of the Dox‐Cis conjugate was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC‐Q‐TOF/MS). The zeta potential and morphological parameters of the niosomal vesicles were determined through Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). In vitro assessments of cell viability and apoptosis were conducted on MUC‐1 positive HeLa cells and MUC‐1 negative U87 cells. Results: The findings confirmed the successful conjugation of Dox and Cis within the niosomes. The Nio/Dox‐Cis/MUC‐1 formulation demonstrated enhanced efficacy compared to the individual drugs and their unencapsulated combination in both cell lines. Notably, the Nio/Dox‐Cis/MUC‐1 formulation exhibited greater effectiveness on HeLa cells (38.503 ± 1.407) than on U87 cells (46.653 ± 1.297). Conclusion: The study underscores the potential of the Dox‐Cis conjugate as a promising strategy for cancer treatment, particularly through platforms that facilitate targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. This targeted approach could lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as next‐generation semiconductors capable of unifying superior photoemission properties, facile and inexpensive preparation, compositional and structural versatility. Among them, CsPbBr3 is a model system in theoretical and experimental studies owing to its intrinsic chemical stability. Nonetheless, knowledge of the precise magnitude and the size‐ and temperature‐dependent lattice and structural distortions is lacking, and the static/dynamic nature of disorder in NCs remains an open question. Herein, robust reciprocal space X‐ray total scattering analysis is applied and accurate lattice distortions, PbBr bond distances, and PbBrPb angles versus NCs size are extracted. The lattice anisotropy increases upon expansion on downsizing while, upon contraction on cooling, the lattice distortion behaves differently at intermediate (9 nm) and ultrasmall (5 nm) sizes and from the bulk. Bond distances (stretched by ≈1%) do not show any size dependence, whereas equatorial and axial angles denote more symmetric octahedral arrangements in the smallest sizes, where they differ by ≈2° compared to ≈8° in the bulk. Anomalously high atomic displacement parameters of axial bromine ions persisting down to cryogenic temperatures suggest statically disordered octahedral tilts. These results provide insights having important implications on size‐dependent emission properties and the exciton fine structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Negative symptoms are a persistent, yet under‐explored problem in psychosis. Disturbances in metacognition are a potential causal factor in negative symptom development and maintenance. This meta‐analysis uses individual participant data (IPD) from existing research to assess the relationship between negative symptoms and metacognition treated as summed scores and domains. Methods: Data sets containing individuals with negative symptoms and metacognition data, aged 16+ with psychosis, were identified according to pre‐specific parameters. IPD integrity and completeness were checked and data were synthesized in two‐stage meta‐analyses of each negative symptoms cluster compared with metacognition in seemingly unrelated regression using restricted maximum likelihood estimation. Planned and exploratory sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results: Thirty‐three eligible data sets were identified with 21 with sufficient similarity and availability to be included in meta‐analyses, corresponding to 1301 participants. The strongest relationships observed were between summed scores of negative symptoms and metacognition. Metacognitive domains of self‐reflectivity and understanding others' minds, and expressive negative symptoms emerged as significant in some meta‐analyses. The uncertainty of several effect estimates increased significantly when controlling for covariates. Conclusions: This robust meta‐analysis highlights the impact of using summed versus domain‐specific scores of metacognition and negative symptoms, and relationships are not as clear‐cut as once believed. Findings support arguments for further differentiation of negative symptom profiles and continued granular exploration of the relationship between metacognition and negative symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyloric sphincter receives parasympathetic vagal innervation from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). However, little is known about its higher‐order neurons and the nuclei that engage the DMV neurons controlling the pylorus. The purpose of the present study was twofold. First, to identify neuroanatomical connections between higher‐order neurons and the DMV. This was carried out by using the transneuronal pseudorabies virus PRV‐152 injected into rat pylorus torus and examining the brains of these animals for PRV labeling. Second, to identify the specific sites within the DMV that functionally control the motility and tone of the pyloric sphincter. For these studies, experiments were performed to assess the effect of DMV stimulation on pylorus activity in urethane‐anesthetized male rats. A strain gauge force transducer was sutured onto the pyloric tonus to monitor tone and motility. L‐glutamate (500 pmol/30 nL) was microinjected unilaterally into the rostral and caudal areas of the DMV. Data from the first study indicated that neurons labeled with PRV occurred in the DMV, hindbrain raphe nuclei, midbrain Edinger–Westphal nucleus, ventral tegmental area, lateral habenula, and arcuate nucleus. Data from the second study indicated that microinjected L‐glutamate into the rostral DMV results in contraction of the pylorus blocked by intravenously administered atropine and ipsilateral vagotomy. L‐glutamate injected into the caudal DMV relaxed the pylorus. This response was abolished by ipsilateral vagotomy but not by intravenously administered atropine or L‐NG‐nitroarginine methyl ester (L‐NAME). These findings identify the anatomical and functional brain neurocircuitry involved in controlling the pyloric sphincter. Our results also show that site‐specific stimulation of the DMV can differentially influence the activity of the pyloric sphincter by separate vagal nerve pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northern Brazilian Amazon, indigenous peoples who inhabit the savannas of Roraima, plant their crop fields in frequently managed "forest islands" using a rotating "slash‐and‐burn" system. The system advocates long‐term sustainability, but population growth and threats to indigenous lands have led to shorter rotations and greater frequency of use of forest island areas. Our objective was to examine soil texture and fertility (0–20 cm in depth) in indigenous crop fields (roças) and fallow lands (capoeiras, secondary forests), generating recommendations that may help to optimize traditional soil management. Results indicated that roça sites are less acidic than capoeira sites, which was expected as ashes produced by burning are alkalizing, but acidity did not increase again after 8 months of cultivation, and pH was high in all sites (>6). The general increase in nutrients expected in roças compared with capoeiras did not occur. The expected decrease of soil fertility after first months of cultivation did not happen, nor the increase of soil fertility according to fallow length. Overall, soil texture proved to be the main determinant of fertility. The unexpected results suggest that the edaphic processes resulting from the traditional indigenous cultivations, practised for centuries or millennia in this region, likely contributed to the current stabilization of soil acidity and fertility. The stable moderate fertility and stable high pH observed in all sites are advantages for production in slash‐and‐burn systems in this region, and this is especially important for more pressured areas, where agroecological practices could improve soil use and management. Although not determinant for soil fertility recovery at the studied depth (0–20 cm), the fallow period (growth of capoeiras) is still important for recovery of environmental and social functions of forest islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs) provide promising candidates for dental pulp regeneration. Despite great advances in the transcriptional controls of the SCAPs fate, little is known about the regulation of SCAP differentiation. Materials and Methods: Short hairpin RNAs and full‐length RNA were used to deplete or overexpress lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D) gene expression. Western blotting, real‐time RT‐PCR, alizarin red staining, and scratch migration assays were used to study the role of KDM4D and the ribosomal protein encoded by RPS5 in SCAPs. RNA microarray, chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assays were performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results: KDM4D enhanced the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation, migration, and chemotaxis of SCAPs. The microarray results revealed that 88 mRNAs were differentially expressed in KDM4D‐overexpressed SCAPs. ChIP results showed knock‐down of KDM4D increased the level of H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 in CNR1 promoter region. There were 37 possible binding partners of KDM4D. KDM4D was found to combine with RPS5, which also promoted the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation, migration, and chemotaxis of SCAPs. Conclusions: KDM4D promoted the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation and migration potential of SCAPs in combination with RPS5, which provides a therapeutic clue for improving SCAPs‐based dental tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data continue to accumulate indicating that many systematic reviews are methodologically flawed, biased, redundant, or uninformative. Some improvements have occurred in recent years based on empirical methods research and standardization of appraisal tools; however, many authors do not routinely or consistently apply these updated methods. In addition, guideline developers, peer reviewers, and journal editors often disregard current methodological standards. Although extensively acknowledged and explored in the methodological literature, most clinicians seem unaware of these issues and may automatically accept evidence syntheses (and clinical practice guidelines based on their conclusions) as trustworthy. A plethora of methods and tools are recommended for the development and evaluation of evidence syntheses. It is important to understand what these are intended to do (and cannot do) and how they can be utilized. Our objective is to distill this sprawling information into a format that is understandable and readily accessible to authors, peer reviewers, and editors. In doing so, we aim to promote appreciation and understanding of the demanding science of evidence synthesis among stakeholders. We focus on well‐documented deficiencies in key components of evidence syntheses to elucidate the rationale for current standards. The constructs underlying the tools developed to assess reporting, risk of bias, and methodological quality of evidence syntheses are distinguished from those involved in determining overall certainty of a body of evidence. Another important distinction is made between those tools used by authors to develop their syntheses as opposed to those used to ultimately judge their work. Exemplar methods and research practices are described, complemented by novel pragmatic strategies to improve evidence syntheses. The latter include preferred terminology and a scheme to characterize types of research evidence. We organize best practice resources in a Concise Guide that can be widely adopted and adapted for routine implementation by authors and journals. Appropriate, informed use of these is encouraged, but we caution against their superficial application and emphasize their endorsement does not substitute for in‐depth methodological training. By highlighting best practices with their rationale, we hope this guidance will inspire further evolution of methods and tools that can advance the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal atrophy of the left anterior temporal lobe has been associated with the semantic type of primary progressive aphasia evolving to semantic dementia. In contrast, focal atrophy of the right temporal lobe has more recently been described as a controverse entity reported as the right temporal variant of FTD. We describe two cases of FTD dementia syndromes: in Case 1, atrophy of the right temporal lobe led to significant behavioural impairment and difficulties in recognizing known people. In Case 2, atrophy of the left temporal lobe was associated with severe aggressive, ritualistic behaviour and aphasia., (© 2024 The British Psychological Society.)

The ATPase activity of 14S dynein was activated by the presence of microtubule-associatedprotein-free microtubules. The activation was 2.5-3.5 fold at 10 mg microtubule/ml, and the activity increased further with increasing microtubule concentration. The microtubule — 14S-dynein complex, microtubule bundles with 14S dynein, was treated with a zero-length chemical cross-linker, 1-ethyl3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide (EDC). The ATPase activity of the complex responded to EDC in a biphasic, concentration-dependent manner and, at most, it was enhanced 5-10 fold. The complex treated with EDC was no longer unbundled by addition of ATP, as revealed by electronmicroscopic observation. Several ATP analogues, which support in vitro microtubule translocation mediated by 14S dynein, were turned over faster by this mechanochemical enzyme in the presence of microtubules than in their absence. However, some ATP analogues which do not support the translocation were also turned over faster in the presence of microtubules. Thus, microtubule-dynein motility and substrate-turnover activation are not tightly coupled, which indicates that all three major motor systems, actin — heavymeromyosin, microtubule-kinesin [Shimizu, T., Furusawa, K., Ohashi, S., Toyoshima, Y. Y., Okuno, M., Malik, F. & Vale, R. D. (1991) J. Cell Biol. 112, 1189-1197] and microtubule-dynein, have this characteristic property in common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium is imperative in maintaining a quality life, particularly during later ages. Its deficiency results in a wide range of metabolic disorders such as dental changes, cataracts, alterations in brain function, and osteoporosis. These deficiencies are more pronounced in females due to increased calcium turnover throughout their life cycle, especially during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin D perform a central role in the metabolism of calcium. Recent scientific interventions have linked calcium with an array of metabolic disorders in females including hypertension, obesity, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), multiple sclerosis, and breast cancer. This review encompasses these female metabolic disorders with special reference to calcium and vitamin D deficiency. This review article aims to present and elaborate on available data regarding the worldwide occurrence of insufficient calcium consumption in females and allied health risks, to provide a basis for formulating strategies and population‐level scientific studies to adequately boost calcium intake and position where required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics of meloxicam was studied in 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐month‐old sheep following a single intravenous (i.v.) dose of 1 mg/kg. The experiments were carried out when the Romanov sheep were 1 month old (7.93 ± 0.91 kg), 6 months old (27.47 ± 4.91 kg), and 12 months old (37.10 ± 3.64 kg). Meloxicam concentration in plasma was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography and the data collected were evaluated by non‐compartmental kinetic analysis. Meloxicam was detected in the plasma up to 72 h following i.v. administration in all age groups. The volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) and total body clearance (ClT) were significantly higher in 1‐month‐old (304.87 mL/kg and 16.57 mL/h/kg) than in 12‐month‐old (193.43 mL/kg and 10.50 mL/h/kg) sheep. The area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 72 h value of meloxicam was lower in 1‐month‐old (58.51 h*μg/mL) compared to 12‐month‐old (92.59 h*μg/mL) sheep. There was no difference in t1/2ʎz value in different age groups. The body extraction ratio values for meloxicam ranged from 0.0186 to 0.0719 after i.v. administration in all age groups. Meloxicam showed an increase in plasma concentration and a decrease in Vdss and ClT in 12‐month‐old compared to 1‐month‐old sheep. Compared to 1‐month‐old and 12‐month‐old sheep, there was no difference in these parameters in 6‐month‐old sheep. Because the age of sheep has an influence on the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam, dosage apparently may need to be adjusted for age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori strains show a high level of genotypic diversity and express several genes that contribute to their pathogenicity and resistance. In Mozambique, there is lack of information regarding its resistance pattern to antibiotics. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori and its genotypic resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and fluoroquinolones in Mozambican dyspeptic patients. Since appropriate eradication should be based on the local resistance rate, our data will guide clinicians in choosing the best drugs for the effective treatment of H. pylori‐infected patients. Methods: This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted between June 2017 and June 2020, in which 171 dyspeptic patients were recruited, and through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, gastric biopsies were collected from those patients. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for the detection of H. pylori and its resistance mechanisms to clarithromycin (23S rRNA), metronidazole (rdxA), and fluoroquinolones (gyrA); mutations conferring resistance to these antibiotics were investigated by sequencing 23S rRNA, rdxA, and gyrA genes. Results: Of the 171 samples tested, H. pylori was detected in 56.1% (96/171). The clarithromycin resistance rate was 10.4% (the responsible mutations were A2142G and A2143G), the metronidazole resistance rate was 55.2% (4 types of mutations responsible for metronidazole resistance were identified which include, D59N, R90K, H97T, and A118T. However, in many cases, they appeared in combination, with D59N + R90K + A118T being the most frequent combination), and the fluoroquinolones resistance rate was 20% (the responsible mutations were N87I and D91G). Conclusion: H. pylori infection remains common in dyspeptic Mozambican patients. High resistance to metronidazole and fluoroquinolones requires continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance and adaptation of therapy to eradicate this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyromonas gingivalis, the causative agent of adult periodontitis, must gain resistance to frequent oxidative and nitric oxide (NO) stress attacks from immune cells in the periodontal pocket to survive. Previously, we found that, in the wild‐type and under NO stress, the expression of PG1237 (CdhR), the gene encoding for a putative LuxR transcriptional regulator previously called community development and hemin regulator (CdhR), was upregulated 7.7‐fold, and its adjacent gene PG1236 11.9‐fold. Isogenic mutants P. gingivalis FLL457 (ΔCdhR::ermF), FLL458 (ΔPG1236::ermF), and FLL459 (ΔPG1236‐CdhR::ermF) were made by allelic exchange mutagenesis to determine the involvement of these genes in P. gingivalis W83 NO stress resistance. The mutants were black pigmented and β hemolytic and their gingipain activities varied with strains. FLL457 and FLL459 mutants were more sensitive to NO compared to the wild type, and complementation restored NO sensitivity to that of the wild type. DNA microarray analysis of FLL457 showed that approximately 2% of the genes were upregulated and over 1% of the genes downregulated under NO stress conditions compared to the wild type. Transcriptome analysis of FLL458 and FLL459 under NO stress showed differences in their modulation patterns. Some similarities were also noticed between all mutants. The PG1236‐CdhR gene cluster revealed increased expression under NO stress and may be part of the same transcriptional unit. Recombinant CdhR showed binding activity to the predicted promoter regions of PG1459 and PG0495. Taken together, the data indicate that CdhR may play a role in NO stress resistance and be involved in a regulatory network in P. gingivalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astringency and more generally mouthfeel perception are relevant to the overall quality of the wine. However, their origin and description are still uncertain and are constantly updating. Additionally, the terminology related to mouthfeel properties is expansive and extremely diversified, characterized by common traditional terms as well as novel recently adopted descriptors. In this context, this review evaluated the mention frequency of astringent subqualities and other mouthfeel attributes in the scientific literature of the last decades (2000–August 17, 2022). One hundred and twenty‐five scientific publications have been selected and classified based on wine typology, aim, and instrumental–sensorial methods adopted. Dry resulted as the most frequent astringent subquality (10% for red wines, 8.6% for white wines), while body—and related terms—is a common mouthfeel sensation for different wine types, although its concept is still vague. Alongside, promising analytical and instrumental techniques investigating and simulating the in‐mouth properties are discussed in detail, such as rheology for the viscosity and tribology for the lubrication loss, as well as the different approaches for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the interaction between salivary proteins and astringency markers. A focus on the phenolic compounds involved in the tactile perception was conducted, with tannins being the compounds conventionally found responsible for astringency. Nevertheless, other non‐tannic polyphenolic classes (i.e., flavonols, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, anthocyanin‐derivative pigments) as well as chemical–physical factors and the wine matrix (i.e., polysaccharides, mannoproteins, ethanol, glycerol, and pH) can also contribute to the wine in‐mouth sensory profile. An overview of mouthfeel perception, factors involved, and its vocabulary is useful for enologists and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HDM2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a crucial regulator of many proliferation‐related pathways. It is also one of the primary regulators of p53. USP7, a deubiquitinase, also plays a key role in the regulation of both p53 and HDM2, thus forming a small regulatory network with them. This network has emerged as an important drug target. Development of a synergistic combination targeting both proteins is desirable and important for regulating this module. We have developed a small helically constrained peptide that potently inhibited p53‐HDM2 interaction and exerted anti‐proliferative effects on p53+/+ cells. A combination of this peptide—when attached to cell entry and nuclear localization tags—and a USP7 inhibitor showed synergistic anti‐proliferative effects against cells harboring wild‐type alleles of p53. Synergistic inhibition of two important drug targets may lead to novel therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the role of the Rgs10‐associated nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signalling pathway in periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Porphyromonas gingivalis and collagen were locally applied to mice to establish in vivo periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis models, respectively. Both agents were administered together to establish the comorbid group. All models were treated with adeno‐associated virus‐green fluorescent protein (AAV‐GFP) or adeno‐associated virus small hairpin Rgs10 (AAV‐sh‐Rgs10). In vivo expression of Rgs10 and inflammatory cytokines was analysed, along with exploration of the NF‐κB signalling pathway in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated mouse‐derived RAW264.7 cells, with and without treatment of small interfering RNA (siRNA; Rgs10‐Mus‐MSS245072). Results: In the comorbidity mouse group (mice with both periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis), inhibition of Rgs10 exacerbated periodontitis, along with upregulation of phospho‐RelA (pP65), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression in the NF‐κB signalling pathway. Similarly, treatment of LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells with siRNA resulted in the inhibition of Rgs10, along with upregulation of pP65, TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression in vitro. Conclusion: Inhibition of Rgs10 in mice with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis can promote the progression of periodontitis, indicating the potential therapeutic role of Rgs10 in this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischaemic neurovascular stroke represents a leading cause of death in the developed world. Preclinical and human epidemiological evidence implicates the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) family of neuropeptides as mediators of acute neurovascular injury pathology. Preclinical investigations of the role of CRF, CRF receptors and CRF‐dependent activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis have pointed toward a tissue‐specific and temporal relationship between activation of these pathways and physiological outcomes. Based on the literature, the major phases of ischaemic stroke aetiology may be separated into an acute phase in which CRF and anti‐inflammatory stress signalling are beneficial and a chronic phase in which these contribute to neural degeneration, toxicity and apoptotic signalling. Significant gaps in knowledge remain regarding the pathway, temporality and systemic impact of CRF signalling and stress biology in neurovascular injury progression. Heterogeneity among experimental designs poses a challenge to defining the apparent reciprocal relationship between neurological injury and stress metabolism. Despite these challenges, it is our opinion that the elucidated temporality may be best matched with an antibody against CRF with a half‐life of days to weeks as opposed to minutes to hours as with small‐molecule CRF receptor antagonists. This state‐of‐the‐art review will take a multipronged approach to explore the expected potential benefit of a CRF antibody by modulating CRF and corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor 1 signalling, glucocorticoids and autonomic nervous system activity. Additionally, this review compares the modulation of CRF and HPA axis activity in neuropsychiatric diseases and their counterpart outcomes post‐stroke and assess lessons learned from antibody therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest control methods that can target pest species with limited environmental impacts are a conservation and economic priority. Species‐specific pest control using RNA interference is a challenging but promising avenue in developing the next generation of pest management. We investigate the feasibility of manipulating a biological invader's immune system using double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) in order to increase susceptibility to naturally occurring pathogens. We used the invasive Argentine ant as a model, targeting the immunity‐associated genes Spaetzle and Dicer‐1 with dsRNA. We show that feeding with Spaetzle dsRNA can result in partial target gene silencing for up to 28 days in the laboratory and 5 days in the field. Dicer‐1 dsRNA only resulted in partial gene knockdown after 2 days in the laboratory. Double‐stranded RNA treatments were associated with significant gene expression disruptions across immune pathways in the laboratory and to a lower extent in the field. In total, 12 viruses and four bacteria were found in these ant populations. Some changes in viral loads in dsRNA‐treated groups were observed. For example, Linepithema humile Polycipivirus 2 (LhuPCV2) loads increased after 2 days of treatment with Spaetzle and Dicer‐1 dsRNA treatments in the laboratory. After treatment with the dsRNA in the field, after 5 days the virus Linepithema humile toti‐like virus 1 (LhuTLV1) was significantly more abundant. However, immune pathway disruption did not result in a consistent increase in microbial infections, nor did it alter ant abundance in the field. Some viruses even declined in abundance after dsRNA treatment. Our study explored the feasibility of lowering a pest's immunity as a control tool. We demonstrate that it is possible to alter immune gene expression of pest species and pathogen loads, although in our specific system the affected pathogens did not appear to influence pest abundance. We provide suggestions on future directions for dsRNA‐mediated immune disruption in pest species, including potential avenues to improve dsRNA delivery as well as the importance of pest and pathogen biology. Double‐stranded RNA targeting immune function might be especially useful for pest control in systems in which viruses or other microorganisms are prevalent and have the potential to be pathogenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid peptides are well‐known modulators of the central control of reproduction. Among them, dynorphin coexpressed in kisspeptin (KP) neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) has been thoroughly studied for its autocrine effect on KP release through κ opioid receptors. Other studies have suggested a role for β‐endorphin (BEND), a peptide cleaved from the pro‐opiomelanocortin precursor, on food intake and central control of reproduction. Similar to KP, BEND content in the ARC of sheep is modulated by day length and BEND modulates food intake in a dose‐dependent manner. Because KP levels in the ARC vary with photoperiodic and metabolic status, a photoperiod‐driven influence of BEND neurons on neighboring KP neurons is plausible. The present study aimed to investigate a possible modulatory action of BEND on KP neurons located in the ovine ARC. Using confocal microscopy, numerous KP appositions on BEND neurons were found but there was no photoperiodic variation of the number of these interactions in ovariectomized, estradiol‐replaced ewes. By contrast, BEND terminals on KP neurons were twice as numerous under short days, in ewes having an activated gonadotropic axis, compared to anestrus ewes under long days. Injection of 5 μg BEND into the third ventricle of short‐day ewes induced a significant and specific increase of activated KP neurons (16% vs. 9% in controls), whereas the percentage of overall activated (c‐Fos positive) neurons, was similar between both groups. These data suggest a photoperiod‐dependent influence of BEND on KP neurons of the ARC, which may influence gonadotropin‐releasing hormone pulsatile secretion and inform KP neurons about metabolic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an opportunistic human pathogen, which is involved in a wide range of dangerous infections. It develops alarming resistances toward antibiotic treatment. Therefore, alternative strategies, which suppress pathogenicity or synergize with antibiotic treatments are in great need to combat these infections more effectively. One promising approach is to disarm the bacteria by interfering with their quorum sensing (QS) system, which regulates the release of various virulence factors as well as biofilm formation. Herein, this work reports the rational design, optimization, and in‐depth profiling of a new class of Pseudomonas quinolone signaling receptor (PqsR) inverse agonists. The resulting frontrunner compound features a pyrimidine‐based scaffold, high in vitro and in vivo efficacy, favorable pharmacokinetics as well as clean safety pharmacology characteristics, which provide the basis for potential pulmonary as well as systemic routes of administration. An X‐ray crystal structure in complex with PqsR facilitated further structure‐guided lead optimization. The compound demonstrates potent pyocyanin suppression, synergizes with aminoglycoside antibiotic tobramycin against PA biofilms, and is active against a panel of clinical isolates from bronchiectasis patients. Importantly, this in vitro effect translated into in vivo efficacy in a neutropenic thigh infection model in mice providing a proof‐of‐principle for adjunctive treatment scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of the corticotropin‐releasing hormone (PmCRH) and the CRH‐binding protein (PmCRHBP) mRNAs was studied by in situ hybridization in the brain of prolarvae, larvae, and adults of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. We also generated an antibody against the PmCRH mature peptide to study the distribution of PmCRH‐immunoreactive cells and fibers. PmCRH immunohistochemistry was combined with antityrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, PmCRHBP in situ hybridization, or neurobiotin transport from the spinal cord. The most numerous PmCRH‐expressing cells were observed in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus‐paraventricular nucleus and in the superior and medial rhombencephalic reticular formation. PmCRH expression was more extended in adults than in larvae, and some cell populations were mainly (olfactory bulb) or only (striatum, ventral hypothalamus, prethalamus) observed in adults. The preopto‐paraventricular fibers form conspicuous tracts coursing toward the neurohypophysis, but many immunoreactive fibers were also observed coursing in many other brain regions. Brain descending fibers in the spinal cord mainly come from cells located in the isthmus and in the medial rhombencephalic reticular nucleus. The distribution of PmCRHBP‐expressing neurons was different from that of PmCRH cells, with cells mainly present in the septum, striatum, preoptic region, tuberal hypothalamus, pretectum, pineal complex, isthmus, reticular formation, and spinal cord. Again, expression in adults was more extended than in larvae. PmCRH‐ and PmCRHBP‐expressing cells are different, excluding colocalization of these substances in the same neuron. Present findings reveal a complex CRH/CRHBP system in the brain of the oldest extant vertebrate group, the agnathans, which shows similarities but important divergences with that of mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist that is commonly used in paediatric and adult oncology to treat a variety of malignancies. Internal organs, including the testis, are severely cytotoxic and genotoxic to MTX. Omega‐3, as an antioxidant, has been shown to protect rat testis tissue from injury. The effect of fish oil (FO) on MTX‐induced reproductive damage in rats was investigated in this work. The 28 animals were divided into four groups for this purpose (control, FO, MTX, and MTX‐FO). On the third day, the MTX group received a single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg MTX. Furthermore, in the FO and MTX‐FO groups, FO was delivered through gavage once daily for 14 days. All animals euthanized under general anaesthesia on the 15th day. TBARS, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase levels were measured biochemically. The Cosentino grading system was utilized for histology. Germ cell thickness and caspase‐3 activity were also evaluated. In addition, sperm motility rate, epididymal sperm count, aberrant sperm rate, and sperm vitality were measured to assess sperm quality. Some TBARS levels have increased, but GSH levels decreased significantly in the MTX group. FO reduced TBARS levels while considerably increasing GSH levels. All sperm quality measures were significantly lowered in the MTX group, while FO had a recovery effect. There were no notable variations in histopathology across groups except for germ cell thickness, which reduced considerably in the MTX group and recovered with FO treatment. As a result, FO has been shown to reduce testicular toxicity following MTX treatment in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the explosive global increase of various cancers, the need to introduce/develop novel catalysts/sensors for quantitative determination of cancer drugs is emphasized. Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO‐NPs) calcined at 200 °C were used as a modifier of carbon paste electrode (CPE) to quantify tamoxifen (TAM) in an aqueous solution. The square wave voltammetry (SqW) was used due to its high sensitivity. The modified NiO‐CPE showed an SqW anodic peak current with a peak potential of about 420 mV in the NaOH‐supporting electrolyte. This peak current was decreased when TAM analyte was added to the test solution. Thus, this reduced peak current (Δi) was used to quantify TAM in solution. The experimental design used the response surface methodology (RSM) approach to study the simultaneous interaction effects between the influencing variables. The optimized run was associated with a 10 % NiO ingredient in the CPE, 0.3 M NaOH, an amplitude of 200 mV, a step potential of 3 mV, and a frequency of 25 Hz. A proportional behavior was obtained between the mentioned Δi and TAM concentration in the range of 10–60 nM. The detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits were 1.81±0.35 and 6.05±0.24 nM, respectively. Interfering and recovery results confirmed the applicability of the proposed NiO‐CPE electrode for TAM determination in complex matrixes and the direct assay of the drug in human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injectable hydrogel adhesives integrating both rapid adhesion to wet tissues and anti‐swelling in humid environments are highly desired for fast hemostasis and wound sealing in surgical applications. Herein, utilizing the synergistic effect of thermo‐sensitive shrinkable nano‐micelle gelators and small molecular adhesive moieties, an injectable hydrogel with rapid‐adhesion and anti‐swelling properties (RAAS hydrogel) is fabricated. The RAAS hydrogel can undergo ultrafast gelation to achieve wet adhesion within 2 s of ultraviolet illumination and exhibit an outstanding anti‐swelling performance with non‐expansion of volume during the whole degradation process. It also presents good biocompatibility and low risk of hemolysis. Its fast hemostasis is demonstrated in diverse hemorrhage models with injuries in the liver, artery, heart, cranial vessel, and brain cortex in small animals. Importantly, its volume stability in humid internal environment can maintain the strong adhesion strength and avoid compression injury to spinal cord when applied for dura sealing. These data suggest that the injectable RAAS hydrogel holds potential for the applications of fast hemostasis and wound sealing with the benefits of stable adhesion and reducing the risk of tissue compression injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injectable bioadhesives offer several advantages over conventional staples and sutures in surgery to seal and close incisions or wounds. Despite the growing research in recent years few injectable bioadhesives are available for clinical use. This review summarizes the key chemical features that enable the development and improvements in the use of polymeric injectable hydrogels as bioadhesives or sealants, their design requirements, the gelation mechanism, synthesis routes, and the role of adhesion mechanisms and strategies in different biomedical applications. It is envisaged that developing a deep understanding of the underlying materials chemistry principles will enable researchers to effectively translate bioadhesive technologies into clinically‐relevant products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannibalism, once viewed as a rare or aberrant behavior, is now recognized to be widespread and to contribute broadly to the self‐regulation of many populations. Cannibalism can produce endogenous negative feedback on population growth because it is expressed as a conditional behavior, responding to the deteriorating ecological conditions that flow, directly or indirectly, from increasing densities of conspecifics. Thus, cannibalism emerges as a strongly density‐dependent source of mortality. In this synthesis, we review recent research that has revealed a rich diversity of pathways through which rising density elicits increased cannibalism, including both factors that (a) elevate the rate of dangerous encounters between conspecifics and (b) enhance the likelihood that such encounters will lead to successful cannibalistic attacks. These pathways include both features of the autecology of cannibal populations and features of interactions with other species, including food resources and pathogens. Using mathematical models, we explore the consequences of including density‐dependent cannibal attack rates on population dynamics. The conditional expression of cannibalism generally enhances stability and population regulation in single‐species models but also may increase opportunities for alternative states and prey population escape from control by cannibalistic predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between organosiloxane materials and siloxane species has attracted extensive attention in the protection of cultural relics due to their bonding characteristics. In this context, detailed studies of the complexation between siloxane species and methylsiloxane were explored using various computational methods. The complex molecular structures and their electronic excitation characteristics were predicted. The strong covalent interactions of Si−O bond between siloxane and methylsiloxane are checked by topological analysis of electron density and obvious charge transfer. Thermodynamic results show that these types of complexes are considerable stability. The energy barrier of oxygen molecules to pass through the pores between methylsiloxane and silica close to 19 eV, indicating that this type of coating does not peel off easily. Moreover, IR and UV‐vis spectrum were predicted. The microscopic mechanism will give theoretical direction for theoretical guidance for practical applications of the coating in the protection of stone artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade ago, now‐seminal work showed that children are strikingly unskilled at simple tool innovation. Since then, a surge of research has replicated these findings across diverse cultures, which has stimulated evocative yet unanswered questions. Humans are celebrated among the animal kingdom for our proclivity to create and use tools and have the most complex and diverse technology on earth. Our capacity for tool use has altered our ecological environments irrevocably. How can we achieve so much, yet tool innovation be such a difficult and late‐developing skill for children? In this article, I briefly summarize what we know about the development of tool innovation, then discuss five outstanding questions in the field. With a focus on different empirical and theoretical perspectives, I argue that addressing these questions is crucial for understanding fully the ontogeny of one of humans' most notable skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexandre Walencik, Nantes, FranceA*68:01:63HG00031658OM058295Histogenetics, Ossining, USAA*68:02:22HG00031527OL419326Histogenetics, Ossining, USAA*68:56:02HG00031530OL419329Histogenetics, Ossining, USAA*68:175:02NGS166D1OL964057Dr. Alexandre Walencik, Nantes, FranceDRB3*02:02:32HG00031520OK507229Histogenetics, Ossining, USADRB3*02:176HG00031642OL419307Histogenetics, Ossining, USADRB3*02:177HG00031645OL419310Histogenetics, Ossining, USADRB3*02:1782022S92OM363723Dr. Alexandre Walencik, Nantes, FranceDRB4*01:157HG00031980OM688060Histogenetics, Ossining, USADRB5*01:01:11HG00031524OK377224Histogenetics, Ossining, USADRB5*01:118HG00031650OL419315Histogenetics, Ossining, USADRB5*01:1192022S95OM363726Dr. Jonathan Visentin, Bordeaux, FranceC*06:02:01:92HG00031877OM867382Histogenetics, Ossining, USAC*06:02:98HG00031559OL419280Histogenetics, Ossining, USAC*06:02:99HG00031563OL419284Histogenetics, Ossining, USAC*06:02:10022S116OM450904Dr. [Extracted from the article]

Late onset, sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for the vast majority of cases. Unlike familial AD, the factors that drive the onset of sporadic AD are poorly understood, although aging and stress play a role. The early onset/severity of neuropathology observed in most genetic mouse models of AD hampers the study of the role of aging and environmental factors; thus alternate strategies are necessary to understand the contributions of these factors to sporadic AD. We demonstrate that mice acquiring a low social status (subordinate) in a lifelong chronic psychosocial stress (CPS) model, accrue widespread proteomic changes in the frontal/temporal cortex during aging. To better understand the significance of these stress‐induced changes, we compared the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of subordinate mice to those of patients at varying stages of dementia. Sixteen and fifteen DEPs upregulated in subordinate mice were also upregulated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, respectively. Six of those upregulated proteins (CPE, ERC2, GRIN2B, SLC6A1, SYN1, WFS1) were shared by subordinate mice and patients with MCI or AD. Finally, comparison with a spatially detailed transcriptomic database revealed that the superior frontal gyrus and hippocampus had the greatest overlap between mice subjected to lifelong CPS and AD patients. Overall, most of the overlapping proteins were functionally associated with enhanced NMDA receptor mediated glutamatergic signaling, an excitotoxicity mechanism known to affect neurodegeneration. These findings support the association between stress and AD progression and provide valuable insight into potential early biomarkers and protein mediators of this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrothermal pretreatments (HPs) on the thermodynamic and technological properties of red bean starch. The HP chosen included cooking and autoclaving processes and were applied to beans and red bean starches. To obtain powdered starch, the starch pastes were dried at temperatures of 50, 60, and 70°C in an electric oven with 1,200 W. The diffusion model with boundary condition of the third type was fitted to the experimental data and the thermodynamic properties were calculated. The starches obtained were analyzed for extraction yield, color, and technological properties (apparent viscosity, X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), and DSC). Effective diffusivity values ranged from 7.621 × 10−9 to 9.815 × 10−5 m2 min−1, which reduced drying time by up to 480 min. Starches submitted to HP showed a decrease in activation energy and an increase in Gibbs free energy. It was observed that for an extraction yield >30%, the highest values were found for the treatments submitted to 70°C, especially for the starch submitted to cooking (SC). Red bean starch presented type A crystalline structure, where its crystallinity index ranged from (27.32%–33.41%) and thermal properties were affected by the application of HPs. Using autoclave HP in starch, it is possible to reduce process costs by reducing drying time, as well as changing the crystal structure and thermal properties. Practical Applications: The results obtained contribute to optimize the hydrothermal modification using autoclave and cooking in the grains and starch of several cereals. The HP technique influenced the drying time, consequently reducing the cost of the process. The rheological, thermal, and structural properties were affected, thus being considered a viable treatment for starch modification for large‐scale application, due to the technique being easy to handle, low investment, and not using reagents harmful to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous extract prepared from Schizolobium parahyba (Sp) leaves, a native plant from Atlantic Forest (Brazil), was tested to analyse its ability to inhibit some biological and enzymatic activities induced by Bothrops alternatus (BaltCV) and Bothrops moojeni (BmooCV) snake venoms. Sp inhibited 100% of lethality, blood incoagulability, haemorrhagic and indirect haemolytic activities at a 1:10 ratio (venom/extract, w/w), as well as coagulant activity at a 1:5 ratio (venom/extract, w/w) induced by both venoms. BaltCV fibrinogenolytic activity was also neutralized by Sp at a 1:10 ratio, resulting in total protection of fibrinogen Bβ chain and partial protection of Aα chain. Interaction tests have demonstrated that, at certain extract/proteins ratios, Sp precipitates proteins non-specifically suggesting the presence of tannins, which are very likely responsible for the excellent inhibiting effects of the analysed ophidian activities. Sp aqueous extract chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 was carried out aiming at the separation of these compounds that mask the obtained results. Thus, the fractionation of Sp resulted in three fractions: F1 (methanolic fraction); F2 (methanol:water fraction, 1:1 v/v); and F3 (aqueous fraction). These fractions were analysed for their ability to inhibit the BaltCV fibrinogenolytic activity. F1 inhibited 100% the venom fibrinogenolytic activity without presenting protein precipitation effect; F2 showed only partial inhibition of this venom activity. Finally, F3 did not inhibit fibrinogen proteolysis, but presented strong protein precipitating action. We conclude that Sp aqueous extract, together with tannins, also contains other compounds that can display specific inhibitory activity against snake venom toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluates the application of pulsed electric field (PEF) and investigates the effects of drying temperature on the thermodynamic and thermal properties of red rice starch (Oryza Sativa L.). The grains underwent extraction process using 0.5% of sodium metabisulfite; the pastes were pretreated with application of PEF (10 and 30 kV/cm); and the pulse frequency was 600 Hz, 6 μs wide, and 90‐s residence time. The pretreated pastes were subjected to temperatures of 40, 50, and 60°C with an air velocity of 1.0 m/s. Evaluation of the thermodynamic properties and thermal properties of the PEF‐pretreated starch was carried out after adjusting the diffusive models using boundary conditions of the first and third types. PEF showed maximum reduction in the time process of 180 min (46.15%) for the PEF 30 kV/cm at a temperature of 60°C. The boundary condition of the third type showed a coefficient of determination (r2) greater than.98 and low values of the χ2 function with diffusivity ranging from 2.159 to 7.877 × 10−5 m2/min. A decrease in activation energy (44.59 kJ/mol) was observed revealing positive and decreasing values. The different intensities of PEF resulted in greater moisture transport presenting a uniform distribution within the starch throughout the drying process. The temperature and gelatinization enthalpy were also influenced by PEF. Therefore, PEF can reduce the costs of the drying and gelatinization process reducing environmental impacts generated by high energy consumption. Practical Applications: The results obtained will contribute to the optimization of industrial production and will serve as a basis for the implementation of a pretreatment of FPE for large‐scale application. This method is promising because it modifies the cellular structure of biological cells such as red rice starch and increases the convective drying rate, reducing drying time and energy expenditure in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript proposes an Internet of Things (IoT) platform for energy management (EM) in multi‐microgrid (MMG) system to enhance the power quality with hybrid method. The proposed method is the consolidation of opposition based crow search optimizer (OCSO) and radial basis functional neural network (RBFNN), hence it called RBFNOCS technique. The main aim of this manuscript is to optimally managing the power and resources of distribution system (DS) by constantly track the data from IoT‐based communication framework. In the proposed work, every devices of home is interfaced with data acquisition module (DAM) that is IoT object along unique IP address resultant in large mesh wireless network. Here, the IoT‐based communication framework is used for facilitating the development of a demand response (DR) energy management system (EMS) for distribution system. The transmitted data is processed by RBFNOCS technique. By utilizing the RBFNOCS method, the active with reactive power processing for optimal capacity unbalance compensation smart VSIs share the obtainable neutral current (NC). Likewise, the DS IoT framework enhances these networks flexibility and gives feasible use of obtainable resources. Moreover, the RBFNOCS method is responsible for satisfying the total supply with energy demand. The proposed model is activated in MATLAB/Simulink site and the performance is compared with existing models, namely improved artificial bee colony, squirrel search algorithm and gravitational search algorithm based artificial neural network (SOGSNN), GOAPSNN, fruit fly optimization, and FORDF technique. When compared with the existing methods, the efficiency of the RBFNOCS method is 93.4501%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the physical characteristics and mineral profile of seeds of three Cucurbita varieties, one of the species Cucurbita maxima (variety Crown, one Cucurbita moschata (var. Jacarezinho) and one Cucurbita pepo (var. Italian), in natura and germinated forms. Additionally, perform the drying of the germinated samples at temperatures of 50, 60, and 70°C, evaluating the adjustment by different mathematical models to predict the process, calculate the effective diffusivities, and determine the activation energy and the thermodynamic properties of the samples. The seeds were germinated until 96 hr. Then, the unit mass, apparent specific mass, real specific mass, porosity and unit volume, and the mineral profile were determined. The germinated seeds were crushed and placed to dry with a thickness of 0.5 cm until reaching the equilibrium water content. Germination resulted in an increase in unit mass, unit volume, real density, and porosity; reducing the apparent density. The minerals were presented in different proportions, with emphasis on the calcium content in the Crown variety, potassium and phosphorus in Italian variety, and magnesium in Jacarezinho variety. The Henderson and Pabis modified model was the one that best fitted the experimental data of the three varieties. The effective diffusivities of the germinated seeds increased with increasing drying temperatures. The activation‐energy value was higher in the Crown variety, followed by Jacarezinho and Italian. The greatest enthalpies and entropies were determined in the Crown variety and the highest Gibbs free energies in the Italian variety. Practical Applications: The knowledge of the physical aspects, the minerals concentration, and the use of drying germinated pumpkin seeds results in products with good palatability, expanding the possibilities for industrial and commercial use. The drying of agricultural products in a convective dryer makes it possible to reduce the water content to a certain value, minimizing microbiological activity and reducing chemical deterioration reactions, essential to increase shelf life, control waste, and allow the use and consumption of a product with high quality on a large scale. The contribution to the area consists of determining important values for seed processing industries interested in greater energy efficiency and in the precise adaptation of processes and equipment, with a view to reducing costs and maximizing the quality of the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the main biotechnological tool for the production of Baker's or Brewer's biomasses, largely applied in beverage and fermented‐food production. Through its gene expression reprogramming and production of compounds that inactivate the growth of other microorganisms, S. cerevisiae is able to grow in adverse environments and in complex microbial consortia, as in fruit pulps and root flour fermentations. The distinct set of up‐regulated genes throughout yeast biomass propagation includes those involved in sugar fermentation, ethanol metabolization, and in protective responses against abiotic stresses. These high abundant proteins are precursors of several peptides with promising health‐beneficial activities such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti‐obesity, antidiabetes, and mitogenic properties. An in silico investigation of these S. cerevisiae derived peptides produced during yeast biomass propagation or induced by physicochemical treatments were performed using four algorithms to predict antimicrobial candidates encrypted in abundantly expressed stress‐related proteins encoded by different genes like AHP1, TSA1, HSP26, SOD1, HSP10, and UTR2, or metabolic enzymes involved in carbon source utilization, like ENO1/2, TDH1/2/3, ADH1/2, FBA1, and PDC1. Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and enolase II are noteworthy precursor proteins, since they exhibited the highest scores concerning the release of antimicrobial peptide candidates. Considering the set of genes upregulated during biomass propagation, we conclude that S. cerevisiae biomass, a food‐grade product consumed and marketed worldwide, should be considered a safe and nonseasonal source for designing next‐generation bioactive agents, especially protein encrypting antimicrobial peptides that display broad spectra activity and could reduce the emergence of microbial resistance while also avoiding cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, an energy management system (EMS) is proposed to the distribution system (DS) using Internet of Things (IoT) framework with a hybrid system. The proposed hybrid method is the combination of the Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA) and Owl Search Algorithm (OSA), hence it is called SO2SA technique. The principle objective of the SO2SA technique is to optimize managing distribution system power and resources through continuous monitoring of the data from a communication framework based on IoT. In SO2SA technique, every home device is connected to the module of data acquisition, which indicates an IoT object along with a unique IP address as a result of huge mesh wireless network devices. The sending data are processed through SO2SA technique. Similarly, the IoT architecture of the distribution system enhances the flexibility of these networks and gives optimal utilization of obtainable resources. In addition, the SO2SA technique is responsible for meeting the overall power and supply requirements. The proposed method is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink site and the efficiency is likened to the other different methods. In 50 trail numbers, the RMSE, MAPE, and MBE range of SO2SA technique represents 5.63, 0.90, and 1.035. Thus, the proposed technique is highly competent over all the existing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma‐membrane marker FM1‐43 was employed to reveal the relative significance of different types of endocytic and transcytic mechanisms in outer hair cells (OHCs) of the guinea‐pig cochlea. A double‐barrel local perfusion system was used to label independently the apical or synaptic pole of the isolated OHC to study mechanisms of vesicle uptake at the poles and of vesicle trafficking along and across the cell. Treatment with an inhibitor of macropino‐ and phagocytosis, phenylarsine oxide, or of clathrin‐mediated endocytic activity, concanavalin A, significantly reduced the dye uptake at both the apical and the synaptic poles, indicating the presence of both clathrin‐independent and clathrin‐mediated processes at both poles. However, measurement of uptake speed in the presence of the inhibitors suggested that clathrin‐independent processes contribute more extensively to endocytosis at the basal pole than the apical pole. Treatment with an inhibitor of myosin VI, 2,4,6‐triiodophenol, significantly delayed both the apicobasal and the basoapical fluorescence signals. However, treatment with an inhibitor of kinesin, monastrol, or of dynein, ciliobrevin D, significantly delayed the signals only in the basoapical direction. The myosinVI inhibitor, but neither the kinesin nor dynein inhibitors, significantly delayed the signals to the subsurface cisternae. That is, myosin VI carries vesicles in both longitudinal directions as well as radially to the subsurface cisternae, whereas kinesin and dynein participate primarily in basoapical trafficking. This fundamental information is essential for elucidating recycling mechanisms of specific proteins involved in establishing, controlling and maintaining the electromechanical action of OHCs and, therefore, is vital for understanding auditory perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this modern world, electricity plays a vital role. It is essential for human life and also affects normal behavior of environment resulting in global warming. Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML), have been significantly advancing smart city applications. Smart infrastructure, which is an essential component of smart cities, is equipped with power systems designed for optimizing smart devices. In this article, real domestic consumption data of 500 consumers from TANGEDCO are analyzed and clustered based on different seasons (consumption rate varies upon different weather conditions) for smart city applications. An efficient clustering algorithm k‐means integrates big data set for a period of 10 years and converts it into clustering graph with three seasons. By analyzing this data, the amount of consumption of electricity by humans in particular area (Pasupathikovil) of Papanasam taluk of Thanjavur district will be predicted. This article would be more useful for predicting changes in usage of electricity and take proper steps for analyzing the consumption accordingly and it will be more useful in smart city development. It gives an idea of which season needs more consumption and which needs less. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the utility of a math curriculum‐based measurement (M‐CBM) to identify Spanish‐speaking students at risk of math failure in third grade. The M‐CBM includes a set of number sense based single and composite screening for third graders. The study's sample included 236 Spanish third‐graders from the Canary Islands tested in the fall, winter, and spring. Reliability and validity of all measures were explored, finding adequate indexes. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and Hierarchical linear modeling analyses were conducted for both single and composite measures. All the measures revealed an area under the ROC curve values at or above 0.84, the composite measures ranging from 0.86 to 0.94. When comparing the single and composite measures, the latter revealed a higher classification accuracy for identifying students at risk in third grade than quantity discrimination, missing number, and multi‐digit computation measures, but not for single‐digit computation and place value measures. Finally, significant differences were found between at‐risk and non‐risk students learning growth throughout the school year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]