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Summary The goal of this case report is a description of the clinical presentation and diagnosis of ependymoma in a Quarter Horse filly with neurological clinical signs. Macroscopic examination identified an irregular, reddish, gelatinous mass with infiltrative growth in the fourth ventricle and choroid plexus. Histopathological findings revealed the proliferation of moderately pleomorphic ependymal cells, which compressed and infiltrated the adjacent parenchyma. The cells presented a papillary arrangement forming single or multiple layers, sometimes organised in the form of rosettes with a central area filled with eosinophilic amorphous material. The cells were characterised by sparse, basophilic cytoplasm, round to ovoid nuclei, granular chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Neoplastic cells were immunopositive for S‐100 and vimentin. Macroscopic and microscopic findings are compatible with a final diagnosis of ependymoma. In young animals, although less frequently reported, neoplasia should be considered a differential diagnosis for animals presenting with neurologic signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for new metal‐organic compounds as candidates for quantum information processing technologies is in the spotlight. Several metal ions and organic linkers have been used to obtain such compounds. Herein, we describe the synthesis, crystal structures, and cryomagnetic properties of two air‐stable isostructural neodymium(III) and europium(III) one‐dimensional (1D) coordination polymers of formula [Nd(Hmpa)3(DMSO)2]n (1) and [Eu(Hmpa)3(DMSO)2]n (2) [Hmpa=N‐(4‐methylphenyl)oxamate, and DMSO=dimethylsulfoxide]. These complexes were prepared by reacting n‐Bu4N(Hmpa) proligand [n‐Bu4N+=tetra‐n‐butylammonium] and the correspondent LnCl3 ⋅ 6H2O salt (Ln=Nd or Eu) in the open air and mild conditions. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 reveal the Ln3+ ion surrounded by two DMSO molecules and three oxamate ligands, one of them connecting to adjacent mononuclear entities through carboxylate bridges featuring a homometallic chain, while the other two establishing double N−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ O hydrogen bonds among adjacent polymers to give a resultant supramolecular 2D network. Cryomagnetic measurements in the static (dc) and dynamic current (ac) regimes reveal that 1 behaves as a field‐induced single‐molecule magnet below 8.8 K. A photoluminescence study shows that Hmpa ligands efficiently sensitize the luminescence of Eu3+ complex in the visible region in the solid state at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript reports for the first time a heterogenous catalytic route to monoglycerides (MAGs) from microalgal oil. Microalgae is an important biomass source with high‐value applications, such as food ingredients with essential fatty acids. To date, the glycerolysis of microalgae has only been investigated for a microbial oil (Schizochytrium sp.) using enzyme catalysis. However, the use of enzymes on a large scale is currently economically impeditive and requires highly selective lipases. In this study, metal oxides were screened and the reaction conditions optimized for rapeseed oil. The optimized conditions were then used to investigate the production of MAGs from Scenedesmus sp. microalga. The most promising catalyst was found to be MgO/KOH, which gave a 44 % yield. Comparing two reaction systems (low temperature 70 °C/atmospheric pressure and high temperature at 200 °C/20 bar), it was found that the latter has a superior performance. Due to the stability of the product in air, the presence of an inert atmosphere is essential to achieve high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, both short‐range and long‐range structural features of an ionic bridged silsesquioxane, specifically one containing the 1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride group (ISSQ), were elucidated. This ionic silsesquioxane was synthesized via direct polycondensation of a bridged organosilane precursor, without any additional functionalization step. Si−O−Si cage structures typical of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) were identified. The average interatomic distances of the POSS cages, including the open T8 cage and the T12 cage for the ISSQ, as well as the T8 cage for a commercially available pendant POSS were determined. It is the first report of the interatomic distance determination of POSS cage; achieved by using total pair distribution function G(r) values obtained through high‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray diffraction combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The application of DFT was crucial for accurately assigning X‐ray peaks and verifying structural details. Furthermore, the analysis of X‐ray diffraction peaks and the examination of crystalline domains via transmission electron microscopy enabled the proposal of a hexagonal arrangement of Si−O−Si cages over long ranges within the ionic bridged silsesquioxane. This proposed arrangement highlights a distinctive structural organization that could impact the material's properties and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a misconception that sustainability is only related to greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and that this is the only risk to which the planet is exposed. Sustainability is a multidimensional concept and must advance simoutaneously on several fronts, such as the urgent need to increase energy, clean water, clean air, food, mobility, health, and poverty reduction. All the problems of these multi‐dimensions are aggravated by the continuous growth of the world population, mainly in economic and socio‐environmental issues. However, the biggest challenge is to increase the supply of clean energy from renewable sources, as all other dimensions of sustainability depend on energy supply and policy decisions. The consumption of fossil fuels has supplied the current energy demand by approximately 87 %. Still, there are predictions of depletion, and the effects caused on the environment by the production of greenhouse gases bring significant economic losses. In this review, we will address the most common methods for hydrogen production, as well as its main technological applications in organic synthesis and for energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has been increasingly exploited for the synthesis of high‐value raw materials in gaseous or liquid form, although no examples of CO2 fixation in nanoparticle systems have been demonstrated. Herein, CO2 fixation into solid nanomaterials by laser synthesis and processing of gold colloids in water, traditionally considered a green approach leading to ligand‐free nanoparticles without the formation of by‐products, is reported. If carbon monoxide‐rich gold nanoparticles are observable even after synthesis in deionized water, the presence of CO2 derivatives in alkaline water environment leads to C2 and C3 coupling with the production of carboxylic acids as a typical CO2RR fingerprint. While laser processing of preformed gold colloids is selective for C2 coupling, both C2 and C3 coupling to lactic acid are observed during pulsed laser ablation of a gold target. In the latter case, it is demonstrated that it is possible to synthesize photoluminescent organometallic nanocomposites in the blue spectral region with a quantum yield of about 20% under adequate experimental conditions. In this research, new pathways are offered to be explored in energetics, photonics, catalysis, and synthesis at the nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores photocatalytic conversion of CO2 using TiO2−Cu heterojunctions with different Cu contents and investigates influence of different reaction media on the process efficiency. The use of KOH favored liquid products, especially ethanol. An analysis of H2 production as the main competitive reaction was done. Sodium oxalate led to an increase in H2 evolution by approximately 600 μmol g‐1 compared to pure water, in the presence of CO2 in the reaction medium, but the blank test (without CO2) indicates a lower H2 yield (~136 μmol g−1), which suggests that the competitive reaction with CO2 also plays a role in H2 production. This role was related to the decrease of the initial pH from approximately 8.5 to 5.2, stabilizing at 5.5 at the end of the 6 h reaction. In an environment saturated with N2, the pH increases to 9 and stabilizes at 7.8 at the end of the process. In the presence of acetic acid, both CO and H2 production were suppressed, with a significant increase in the selectivity for methane via cleavage of the acid's carbon bond. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing reaction conditions to achieve higher yields of desired products in the photocatalytic conversion of CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to assess the potential of referenceless methods of EPI ghost correction to accelerate the acquisition of in vivo diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT-CMR) data using both computational simulations and data from in vivo experiments. Methods: Three referenceless EPI ghost correction methods were evaluated on mid-ventricular short axis DT-CMR spin echo and STEAM datasets from 20 healthy subjects at 3T. The reduced field of view excitation technique was used to automatically quantify the Nyquist ghosts, and DT-CMR images were fit to a linear ghost model for correction. Results: Numerical simulation showed the singular value decomposition (SVD) method is the least sensitive to noise, followed by Ghost/Object method and entropy-based method. In vivo experiments showed significant ghost reduction for all correctionmethods, with referencelessmethods outperforming navigator methods for both spin echo and STEAM sequences at b = 32, 150, 450, and 600 smm-2. It isworth noting that as the strength of the diffusion encoding increases, the performance gap between the referencelessmethod and the navigator-based method diminishes. Conclusion: Referenceless ghost correction effectively reduces Nyquist ghost in DT-CMR data, showing promise for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of measurements in clinical practice without the need for any additional reference scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study explores the use of liquid–liquid extraction with thermosensitive polymers for producing laccase (Lac) from Pleurotus sajor‐caju. This process leverages liquid waste from the citrus industry, specifically pulp wash. The research delves into extractive fermentation and thermoseparation, both processes being facilitated by a polymer exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature transition. RESULTS: Key factors considered include the choice of polymer, its concentration, pH, separation temperature, and the behavior of the polymer‐rich phase post‐extractive fermentation concerning the lower critical solution temperature. Notably, under conditions of 45% by weight of Pluronic L‐61 and pH 5.0 at 25 °C, the Lac resulted in an enhancement in the purification factor of 28.4‐fold, compared with the Lac obtained directly from the fermentation process on the eighth day. There was an 83.6% recovery of the Lac enzyme in the bottom phase of the system. Additionally, the unique properties of Pluronic L‐61, which can induce phase separation and also allow for thermoseparation, led to a secondary fraction (aqueous solution) of Lac with purification factor of 2.1 ± 0.1‐fold (at 32 ± 0.9 °C and 30 ± 0.3 min without stirring) from the polymeric phase (top phase). Fourier‐transform infrared analysis validated the separation data, particularly highlighting the α‐helix content in the amide I region (1600–1700 cm−1). CONCLUSION: In summary, the insights from this study pave the way for broader industrial applications of these techniques, underscoring benefits like streamlined process integration, heightened selectivity, and superior separation efficacy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To study the sensitivity of diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT‐CMR) to microvascular perfusion and changes in cell permeability. Methods: Monte Carlo (MC) random walk simulations in the myocardium have been performed to simulate self‐diffusion of water molecules in histology‐based media with varying extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and permeable membranes. The effect of microvascular perfusion on simulations of the DT‐CMR signal has been incorporated by adding the contribution of particles traveling through an anisotropic capillary network to the diffusion signal. The simulations have been performed considering three pulse sequences with clinical gradient strengths: monopolar stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM), monopolar pulsed‐gradient spin echo (PGSE), and second‐order motion‐compensated spin echo (MCSE). Results: Reducing ECV intensifies the diffusion restriction and incorporating membrane permeability reduces the anisotropy of the diffusion tensor. Widening the intercapillary velocity distribution results in increased measured diffusion along the cardiomyocytes long axis when the capillary networks are anisotropic. Perfusion amplifies the mean diffusivity for STEAM while the opposite is observed for short diffusion encoding time sequences (PGSE and MCSE). Conclusion: The effect of perfusion on the measured diffusion tensor is reduced using an increased reference b‐value. Our results pave the way for characterization of the response of DT‐CMR to microstructural changes underlying cardiac pathology and highlight the higher sensitivity of STEAM to permeability and microvascular circulation due to its longer diffusion encoding time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survivorship of social insects is known to increase with group size, even in situations of stress, such as starvation and exposure to insecticides. However, in termites, studies have been undertaken only with workers, disregarding the possible effect of soldiers. The role of soldiers in the termite colonies goes beyond defense, mainly in Nasutitermes species. It is already known that soldiers initiate the foraging as well as improve the decision‐making of food resources. Here, we evaluated the effect of group size and the presence of soldiers on exposure to sublethal doses of the insecticide imidacloprid in Nasutitermes corniger (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). To do so, toxicity bioassays were undertaken initially to determine the dose of the insecticide required to kill 50% of the N. corniger population (LD50) to be used in the main experiments. Survival bioassays were then carried out with termite groups, with and without soldiers, in different sizes (6, 10, 14, 22, 26, 30 and 60), exposed and nonexposed to insecticide. In general, the mean time to death of termites increases linearly with group size. However, the mean time to death in groups with soldiers was significantly longer only in groups exposed to the insecticide. Our results indicate that soldiers can help to increase the tolerance of nasute termite groups to insecticides, in addition to the group size, as already shown in the previous study. The size of the group and social context could, therefore, modulate behavioral and/or physiological responses that enhance the ability to survive under stressful situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a simulated moving bed, the regeneration is accomplished by the introduction of a third species, the desorbent, which is later recovered by two downstream separations. As such, the choice of a proper adsorbent/desorbent pair is critical to ensure the effectiveness of the SMB process. While this can be done by comparing the separation region for each system, the computational effort required is extremely high. By developing a parameter that uses readily available literature data, the selection process is sped up and can be easily accomplished. In this work, an SMB performance indicator (SPI) is suggested. This indicator involves the trade‐off between the adsorption selectivity in the presence of the desorbent, the adsorption capacity of the most retained species, and the ratio of the most and less retained species' enthalpies. The developed metric can select the most suitable adsorbent/pair for a specific gas separation by SMB through simple calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caffeic acid (CA)‐modified graphite electrodes [GE/poly(CA)] was applied to the co‐detection of copper and lead in artisanal sugarcane spirit using square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Electrochemical and morphological studies were performed, and a mechanism for polymerization was proposed. Electropolymerization, SWASV, and analysis conditions parameters were optimized. Interferents, repeatability, reproducibility, and addition and recovery tests were carried out. GE/poly(CA) shows a linear range from 15 to 705 μg/L with a limit of detection of 3.01 μg/L for Pb(II) and 4.50 μg/L for Cu(II). Real samples of artisanal sugarcane spirit were used, and the electrochemical results were compared with atomic absorption spectroscopy experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured Cobalt‐Actinide (An=Th, U) bimetallic oxides were for the first time prepared by the epoxide addition method and electrospinning technique aiming the synthesis of aerogels and nanofibers, respectively. Tested as catalysts for the methanation of CO2 and regardless of the actinide element, the yield and selectivity towards CH4 are high (>40 and 95 %, respectively), which was explained by their physicochemical properties such as reducibility and basicity and the existence of a synergic effect between cobalt and actinide species. The aerogels present the best catalytic behavior, namely those with thorium and the catalytic activity increases with the Co/An molar ratio. Both aerogels and nanofibers also present a high resistance to deactivation for at least 75 h in the gaseous stream, which is an advantage for any catalytic application. Moreover, at 300 °C they are 2 to 4 times more active than two reference catalysts (5wt % Rh/Al2O3 and NiO/Al2O3) tested in the same conditions, which to our best knowledge is a significant result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Central America, infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi causes visceral leishmaniasis and non‐ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). This work aimed to evaluate the participation of subpopulations of antigen‐presenting cells in skin lesions of patients affected by NUCL through double‐staining immunohistochemistry using cellular and intracellular markers. Twenty‐three skin biopsies from patients affected by NUCL were used. Histological sections stained by HE were used for histopathological study. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using primary antibodies against Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and the cytokines IL‐12, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, iNOS, and IL‐10. The histopathological lesions were characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly lymphohistiocytic, of variable intensity, with a diffuse arrangement associated with epithelioid granulomas and discreet parasitism. Double‐staining immunohistochemistry showed higher participation of dendritic cells producing the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐12 in relation to the other evaluated cytokines. Activation of the cellular immune response was marked by a higher density of CD8 Tc1‐lymphocytes followed by CD4 Th1‐lymphocytes producing mainly IFN‐γ. The data obtained in the present study suggest that antigen‐presenting cells play an important role in the in situ immune response through the production of proinflammatory cytokines, directing the cellular immune response preferentially to the Th1 and Tc1 types in NUCL caused by L. (L.) infantum chagasi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) is an economically important, drought‐tolerant legume crop affected by moderate to high salinity. Guar has various industrial applications, including gum extracted from seeds that is widely used in the oil and natural gas industries. In this investigation, we evaluated the salinity tolerance of different guar genotypes and their relation to genetic mechanisms regulating guar responses to salinity stress. We screened 24 guar genotypes in a greenhouse lysimeter system under control (electrical conductivity (EC) = 1.46 dS m−1) and high salinity (EC = 13.65 dS m−1) treatments. Both length and biomass of shoots were significantly affected by salinity compared to roots, indicating higher shoot than root sensitivity to salinity. Twenty‐four genotypes were classified based on salt tolerance index for each trait. Tissue ion analysis revealed that roots accumulated over 10‐fold higher Na than leaves, demonstrating that guar effectively regulated the root‐to‐shoot movement of Na+. However, higher Cl concentrations in leaves than roots indicated less regulatory control of Cl− movement. Based on the morphological traits and tissue ion analysis, six genotypes (PI 164486, PI 253186, PI 26152, PI 158125, PI 179926, and PI 263698) with different responses to salinity were selected for gene expression analysis. Expression patterns of different genes showed that a complex network of component traits, including Na+ exclusion, Cl− exclusion, and tissue tolerance, regulate salinity tolerance in guar. Hence, the genetic information about different component traits will benefit guar breeders in developing new varieties that are more tolerant to salinity than current ones. Core Ideas: Guar shoots are more sensitive to salinity than roots.Guar plants regulate the root‐to‐shoot movement of sodium efficiently, but not of chloride.Sodium exclusion, chloride exclusion, and tissue tolerance were important traits under salinity stress in guar.Guar genotypes varied for the component traits related to salinity tolerance mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Correction to 'Pulsed-Laser-Driven CO2 Reduction Reaction for the Control of the Photoluminescence Quantum Yield of Organometallic Gold Nanocomposites'" in Small Science addresses errors in the Supporting Information section related to the Pulsed Laser Ablation process and ion chromatography. The correction clarifies the procedures for the PLAL and fragmentation processes, as well as the average TC values for the samples. The authors, a diverse group of researchers, apologize for the inaccuracies in the original text. [Extracted from the article]

The article in Chemistry - An Asian Journal showcases new one‐dimensional coordination polymers featuring neodymium(III) and europium(III) oxamate complexes. The neodymium(III) complex displays magnetic properties when exposed to an external magnetic field, suggesting potential applications in quantum information processing technologies. Additionally, the europium(III) complex exhibits solid‐state photoluminescence when irradiated under UV light. For more in-depth information, readers can refer to the article authored by Cynthia L. M. Pereira and her colleagues. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease has been reported in the literature, suggesting that poor glycemic control is strongly associated with increased risk of developing periodontal disease. Therefore, this systematic review evaluated the level of knowledge of this bidirectional relationship among patients with diabetes. Methods: This systematic review (protocol CRD42018117902) was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were considered: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search strategy (April 05th, 2021) considered proper combination of keywords and eligibility criteria. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Appraisal tool for Cross‐Sectional Studies (AXIS). Results: Among the 328 records identified in the initial search, 24 studies were selected, considering a total of 8,693 patients. All studies used a cross‐sectional design. Among the included studies, only five showed prevalence of knowledge higher than 50%, ranging from 5.8% to 75.9%. Interestingly, 58.0% of patients reported that they brush their teeth at least 1x/day, but only four studies reported that the dentist was the main source of information. In terms of methodology and result quality, just one study clearly showed all information evaluated by the AXIS tool. Most of studies did not report sample size calculations and did not used validated questionnaires to assess patient knowledge. Conclusion: The results show that less than half of people with diabetes have knowledge about their increased risk for periodontal disease, and often the dentist is not the main source of information to motivate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) characterizes myocardial microstructure. Despite its potential clinical impact, considerable technical challenges exist due to the inherent low signal‐to‐noise ratio. Purpose: To reduce scan time toward one breath‐hold by reconstructing diffusion tensors for in vivo cDTI with a fitting‐free deep learning approach. Study type: Retrospective. Population: A total of 197 healthy controls, 547 cardiac patients. Field strength/sequence: A 3 T, diffusion‐weighted stimulated echo acquisition mode single‐shot echo‐planar imaging sequence. Assessment: A U‐Net was trained to reconstruct the diffusion tensor elements of the reference results from reduced datasets that could be acquired in 5, 3 or 1 breath‐hold(s) (BH) per slice. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), helix angle (HA), and sheetlet angle (E2A) were calculated and compared to the same measures when using a conventional linear‐least‐square (LLS) tensor fit with the same reduced datasets. A conventional LLS tensor fit with all available data (12 ± 2.0 [mean ± sd] breath‐holds) was used as the reference baseline. Statistical tests: Wilcoxon signed rank/rank sum and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Statistical significance threshold was set at P = 0.05. Intersubject measures are quoted as median [interquartile range]. Results: For global mean or median results, both the LLS and U‐Net methods with reduced datasets present a bias for some of the results. For both LLS and U‐Net, there is a small but significant difference from the reference results except for LLS: MD 5BH (P = 0.38) and MD 3BH (P = 0.09). When considering direct pixel‐wise errors the U‐Net model outperformed significantly the LLS tensor fit for reduced datasets that can be acquired in three or just one breath‐hold for all parameters. Data conclusion: Diffusion tensor prediction with a trained U‐Net is a promising approach to minimize the number of breath‐holds needed in clinical cDTI studies. Evidence Level: 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylene isomerization is an important step in the production of p‐xylene. The reaction is normally conducted in the gas phase; however, the liquid‐phase isomerization has attracted the attention of both industry and academia. Three MFI‐type, two MOR‐type, and one BEA‐type zeolites with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratios were used to study the conversion of aromatics in the liquid‐phase at 513 K. The catalysts were characterized through several techniques to assess their textural and acidic properties. The experiments consisted of 3 ml/min (5 × 10−8 m3/s) of m‐xylene fed to a fixed‐bed column at 2.1 MPa to maintain liquid‐phase conditions for 25–30 h. MFI‐type zeolites showed high selectivity towards p‐xylene and long stability, but m‐xylene conversions were below 5%. Large‐pore zeolites exhibited significantly higher conversion but faster deactivation due to secondary reactions. MOR‐type zeolite with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 40 showed the best performance with a m‐xylene conversion of 45.3% with only 1.9% of secondary products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings: What is the central question of this study?This study addresses whether a high‐fat, high‐sucrose diet causes cardiac and diaphragm muscle abnormalities in male rats and whether supplementation with the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine reverses diet‐induced dysfunction.What is the main finding and its importance?N‐Acetylcysteine attenuated the effects of high‐fat, high‐sucrose diet on markers of cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, but neither high‐fat, high‐sucrose diet nor N‐acetylcysteine affected the diaphragm. These results support the use of N‐acetylcysteine to attenuate cardiovascular dysfunction induced by a 'Western' diet. Individuals with overweight or obesity display respiratory and cardiovascular dysfunction, and oxidative stress is a causative factor in the general aetiology of obesity and of skeletal and cardiac muscle pathology. Thus, this preclinical study aimed to define diaphragmatic and cardiac morphological and functional alterations in response to an obesogenic diet in rats and the therapeutic potential of an antioxidant supplement, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC). Young male Wistar rats consumed ad libitum a 'lean' or high‐saturated fat, high‐sucrose (HFHS) diet for ∼22 weeks and were randomized to control or NAC (2 mg/ml in the drinking water) for the last 8 weeks of the dietary intervention. We then evaluated diaphragmatic and cardiac morphology and function. Neither HFHS diet nor NAC supplementation affected diaphragm‐specific force, peak power or morphology. Right ventricular weight normalized to estimated body surface area, left ventricular fractional shortening and posterior wall maximal shortening velocity were higher in HFHS compared with lean control animals and not restored by NAC. In HFHS rats, the elevated deceleration rate of early transmitral diastolic velocity was prevented by NAC. Our data showed that the HFHS diet did not compromise diaphragmatic muscle morphology or in vitro function, suggesting other possible contributors to breathing abnormalities in obesity (e.g., abnormalities of neuromuscular transmission). However, the HFHS diet resulted in cardiac functional and morphological changes suggestive of hypercontractility and diastolic dysfunction. Supplementation with NAC did not affect diaphragm morphology or function but attenuated some of the cardiac abnormalities in the rats receiving the HFHS diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundance estimation methods that combine several types of data are becoming increasingly common because they yield more accurate and precise parameter estimates and predictions than are possible from a single data source. These beneficial effects result from increasing sample size (through data pooling) and complementarity between different data types. Here, we test whether integrating mark–recapture data with passive acoustic detections into a joint likelihood improves estimates of population size in a multi‐guild community. We compared the integrated model to a mark–recapture‐only model using simulated data first and then using a data set of mist‐net captures and acoustic recordings from an Afrotropical agroforest bird community. The integrated model with simulated data improved accuracy and precision of estimated population size and detection parameters. When applied to field data, the integrated model was able to produce, for each bird guild, ecologically plausible estimates of population size and detection parameters, with more precision compared with the mark–recapture model. Overall, our results show that adding acoustic data to mark–recapture analyses improves estimates of population size. With the increasing availability of acoustic recording devices, this data collection technique could readily be added to routine field protocols, leading to a cost‐efficient improvement of traditional mark–recapture population estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions that promote the formation of carbon–carbon bonds are of great importance in organic synthesis, since they transform available, relatively inexpensive, and small organic molecules into more complex ones. One of the main protocols used for these transformations are cross‐coupling reactions, and due to their versatility and applications, several efforts have been devoted recently to developing catalysts for such reactions. Supramolecular chemistry has become a major player in this field and encompasses approaches that range from the synthesis of intricate complex architectures that may mimic enzymes, the slight structural modification of commercially available scaffolds, or even repurposing highly available materials such as agarose. This Review discusses the development of supramolecular catalysts for cross‐coupling reactions, focusing mostly on the Suzuki, Heck and Sonogashira reactions promoted by such assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation in co‐occurrence between pests may influence spatio‐temporal persistence strategies of species, with implications for pest management. The co‐occurrence of Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae) in papaya orchards was investigated in areas at different distances from a native forest reserve in Espírito Santo, Brazil, to investigate positive, negative, or random interactions, understood as potential coexistence, interspecific competition, or neutral interactions, respectively. Data were obtained from a papaya‐growing area divided into three sub‐areas – a buffer zone bordering the forest, neighbourhood 1, and neighbourhood 2 – and the co‐occurrence results were compared with the entire area. The buffer zone along the protected native Atlantic Forest (semideciduous seasonal forest vegetation) was created to filter negative environmental impacts. Neighbourhood 1 was closer to the forest than neighbourhood 2. Based on a long‐term dataset from 1998 to 2010, co‐occurrence of fruit flies was investigated by comparing two periods: from 1998 to 2003, when a special pest management system was implemented, termed the systems approach, and from 2004 to 2010, showing the impact of this system on fruit fly diversity. The strength of interaction between species was also evaluated for significant co‐occurrences. The patterns of co‐occurrence and interaction of Anastrepha species were influenced by area and time. In all scenarios, only positive and random associations were observed, with Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) showing the most positive associations. Co‐occurrence was greater in areas farther from the reserve. However, the strength of the interaction between the areas showed little variation. We concluded that the distance from the reserve and the pest management (systems approach) influenced co‐occurrence, as species co‐occurred much more frequently when collected far from the native forest. The impact during the period of the systems approach (1998–2003) provided fewer positive associations, but with stronger interactions over time. These results confirm that identifying pest co‐occurrence distribution patterns in crops and the respective neighbourhoods can be helpful in improving strategies for pest management associated with a systems approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Clinical trials in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) will require biomarkers for use as outcome measures. Methods: To evaluate total tau (t‐tau), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxy‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and neurofilament light‐chain (NfL) as fluid biomarkers in SCA3, ATXN3 mutation carriers (n = 143) and controls (n = 172) were clinically assessed, and the plasma concentrations of the four proteins were analysed on the Simoa HD‐1 platform. Eleven ATXN3 mutation carrier cerebrospinal fluid samples were analysed for t‐tau and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau181). A transgenic SCA3 mouse model (MJDTg) was used to measure cerebellar t‐tau levels. Results: Plasma t‐tau levels were higher in mutation carriers below the age of 50 compared to controls, and the Inventory of Non‐Ataxia Signs was associated with t‐tau in ataxic patients (p = 0.004). Pre‐ataxic carriers showed higher cerebrospinal fluid t‐tau and p‐tau181 concentrations compared to ataxic patients (p = 0.025 and p = 0.014, respectively). Cerebellar t‐tau was elevated in MJDTg mice compared to wild‐type (p = 0.033) only in the early stages of the disease. GFAP and UCHL1 did not show higher levels in mutation carriers compared to controls. Plasma NfL concentrations were higher in mutation carriers compared to controls, and differences were greater for younger carriers. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia was the strongest predictor of NfL in ataxic patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that tau might be a marker of early disease stages in SCA3. NfL can discriminate mutation carriers from controls and is associated with different clinical variables. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm their potential role as biomarkers in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac motion results in image artefacts and quantification errors in many cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques, including microstructural assessment using diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT‐CMR). Here, we develop a CMR‐compatible isolated perfused porcine heart model that allows comparison of data obtained in beating and arrested states. Ten porcine hearts (8/10 for protocol optimisation) were harvested using a donor heart retrieval protocol and transported to the remote CMR facility. Langendorff perfusion in a 3D‐printed chamber and perfusion circuit re‐established contraction. Hearts were imaged using cine, parametric mapping and STEAM DT‐CMR at cardiac phases with the minimum and maximum wall thickness. High potassium and lithium perfusates were then used to arrest the heart in a slack and contracted state, respectively. Imaging was repeated in both arrested states. After imaging, tissue was removed for subsequent histology in a location matched to the DT‐CMR data using fiducial markers. Regular sustained contraction was successfully established in six out of 10 hearts, including the final five hearts. Imaging was performed in four hearts and one underwent the full protocol, including colocalised histology. The image quality was good and there was good agreement between DT‐CMR data in equivalent beating and arrested states. Despite the use of autologous blood and dextran within the perfusate, T2 mapping results, DT‐CMR measures and an increase in mass were consistent with development of myocardial oedema, resulting in failure to achieve a true diastolic‐like state. A contiguous stack of 313 5‐μm histological sections at and a 100‐μm thick section showing cell morphology on 3D fluorescent confocal microscopy colocalised to DT‐CMR data were obtained. A CMR‐compatible isolated perfused beating heart setup for large animal hearts allows direct comparisons of beating and arrested heart data with subsequent colocalised histology, without the need for onsite preclinical facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stereoselective, base‐free Heck coupling between 1,4‐naphthoquinone and 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives was reported for the first time. This study shows that depending on the 1,4‐naphthoquinone, the use of an additional base is unnecessary to produce the naphthoquinone‐triazole conjugates. This is also the first example of a Heck coupling of these two cores without using a base as an additive. In this work, sixteen new naphthoquinone‐triazole hybrids were stereoselectively synthetized in good to excellent yields. The reaction mechanism was discussed based on DFT CAM−B3LYP calculations. The first step is the coordination of the arene to the palladium catalyst to form a palladacycle intermediate. After reorganization in this intermediate, the double bond in the arene is restored to proceed with the coupling step and formation of the C−C bond in the rate determining step. The Kozuchi‐Shaik span model was employed to rationalize substituent effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an emerging technique for the in vivo characterisation of myocardial microstructure, and there is a growing need for its validation and standardisation. We sought to establish the accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility of state‐of‐the‐art pulse sequences for cardiac DTI among 10 centres internationally. Phantoms comprising 0%–20% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were scanned with DTI using a product pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE; N = 10 sites) sequence, and a custom motion‐compensated spin echo (SE; N = 5) or stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM; N = 5) sequence suitable for cardiac DTI in vivo. A second identical scan was performed 1–9 days later, and the data were analysed centrally. The average mean diffusivities (MDs) in 0% PVP were (1.124, 1.130, 1.113) x 10−3 mm2/s for PGSE, SE and STEAM, respectively, and accurate to within 1.5% of reference data from the literature. The coefficients of variation in MDs across sites were 2.6%, 3.1% and 2.1% for PGSE, SE and STEAM, respectively, and were similar to previous studies using only PGSE. Reproducibility in MD was excellent, with mean differences in PGSE, SE and STEAM of (0.3 ± 2.3, 0.24 ± 0.95, 0.52 ± 0.58) x 10−5 mm2/s (mean ± 1.96 SD). We show that custom sequences for cardiac DTI provide accurate, precise, repeatable and reproducible measurements. Further work in anisotropic and/or deforming phantoms is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive overview of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) that proceed via ortho‐quinone methide intermediates (o‐QM) generated in the reaction medium. Examples of applications involving these highly reactive intermediates in organic synthesis and biological processes (e. g., biosynthetic pathways, prodrug cleavage and electrophilic capture of biological nucleophiles) are also described. QMs are often generated by eliminative processes of phenol derivatives or by photochemical reactions, including reversible generation in photochromic substances. This class of compounds can undergo various reaction types, including nucleophilic attack at the methide carbon, with subsequent rearomatization, and react with electron‐rich dienophiles in inverse‐electron demand hetero‐Diels‐Alder reactions. Its versatile reactivity has been explored in the context of cascade reactions for the construction of several classes of substances, including complex natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, management, and follow‐up of a dog that presented with sequential, bilateral, spontaneous, subcapsular and perirenal hemorrhage (Wunderlich syndrome) due to bilateral renal arterial malformations. Case Summary: A 9‐year‐old intact male Field Spaniel presented for acute onset abdominal pain following a possible syncopal episode. Abdominal ultrasonography, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) revealed right‐sided perirenal hemorrhage that extended into the peritoneum. The dog was discharged following stabilization with analgesia, fluid therapy, and tranexamic acid. One month later, the patient presented with identical clinical signs. A CT scan at this stage revealed bilateral kidney infarcts with new left‐sided perirenal hemorrhage. Abdominal ultrasound and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound were repeated and showed similar findings. Follow up with four‐dimensional CT angiography revealed bilateral renal arterial malformations, likely causing spontaneous renal hemorrhage and secondary subcapsular hematomas , retroperitoneal and peritoneal hemorrhage. Unique Information Provided: This is the first reported case of both bilateral renal arterial malformations and bilateral spontaneous subcapsular and perirenal hemorrhage in the absence of neoplasia, coagulopathy, or trauma in a dog. Advanced imaging modalities, including selective angiography, were required to diagnose this condition successfully. Arterial malformations should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of hemoretroperitoneum. Nephrectomy due to perirenal hemorrhage should be cautiously considered, especially in the absence of angiography, because of the sequential bilateral nature of this case. Conservative management in this case resulted in a good long‐term outcome 10 months later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lifestyle could influence the course of hereditary ataxias, but representative data are missing. Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize lifestyle in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and investigate possible associations with disease parameters. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, data on smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, physiotherapy, and body mass index (BMI) were collected from 243 patients with SCA3 and 119 controls and tested for associations with age of onset, disease severity, and progression. Results: Compared with controls, patients with SCA3 were less active and consumed less alcohol. Less physical activity and alcohol abstinence were associated with more severe disease, but not with progression rates or age of onset. Smoking, BMI, or physiotherapy did not correlate with disease parameters. Conclusion: Differences in lifestyle factors of patients with SCA3 and controls as well as associations of lifestyle factors with disease severity are likely driven by the influence of symptoms on behavior. No association between lifestyle and disease progression was detected. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective shaping of adsorbents is essential to guarantee a high‐efficiency energetic process in what concerns adsorptive applications. In this way, additive manufacturing is gaining significance in developing structured materials in the field of gas adsorption processes. Additive manufacturing is a promising alternative to the traditional shaping techniques, which possess some drawbacks. This paper aims to review the state‐of‐art of additive manufacturing technologies in the manufacturing of adsorbent structures. To do so, an overview of the existent shaping techniques is done, followed by a summarized description of the leading existing additive manufacturing technologies. Then, the application of additive manufacturing technologies to the development of adsorbent materials and other materials for chemical engineering‐related applications is also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brake friction materials (BFMs) are designed to have low wear rate under different conditions of contact pressure, temperature, and sliding velocity. The conditions to ensure a low wear rate (i.e., a moderate wear regime) between the disc and the BFM are not well established. The present article aims to enhance the comprehension about the wear regimes for BFMs. For this purpose, a commercial BFM was slid against a gray cast iron rotor (disc). Tests were performed under different sliding velocities and with both increasing and decreasing steps of pressure levels. Tribofilm formed on the disc's surface and BFM's wear were monitored during the tests. It was possible to conclude that the previous condition of the surface of the disc, with respect to the presence or absence of tribofilm, affects the required conditions for the transition in the wear regime. The removal of tribofilm on the surface of the disc was affected by high contact pressures and high sliding velocities. Those conditions led to a severe wear regime with a destruction of contact plateaus and an increase in friction and BFM's wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D piezoelectric materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides are attracting significant attention because they offer various benefits over bulk piezoelectrics. In this work, the fabrication of layered biomolecular crystals of diphenylalanine (FF) obtained via a co‐assembly of l,l‐ and d,d‐ enantiomers of FF monomers is reported. Their crystal structure, thermal and chemical stabilities, and piezoelectric properties are investigated. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction results show that FF enantiomers are arranged in the form of bilayers consisting of monomers with alternating chirality packed into a tape‐like monoclinic structure belonging to a polar space group P21. Each bilayer (≈1.5 nm thick) demonstrates strong out‐of‐plane piezoelectricity (d33 ≈ 20 pm V−1) that is almost an order of magnitude higher than in the archetypical piezoelectric material quartz. The grown crystals demonstrate better thermal and chemical stabilities than self‐assembled hexagonal FF nanotubes studied in the past. Piezoelectric bilayers, being held via weak aromatic interaction in the bulk crystals, can be exfoliated by mechanical or chemical methods, thus resulting in a 2D piezoelectric material, which can find various applications in biocompatible and ecologically friendly electromechanical microdevices, such as sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting elements used in implantable and wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triazole heterocycle is a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, since its structure is present in a large number of biologically active molecules, including several drugs currently in the market. Due to their vast applications, a wide variety of methods are described for their preparation, such as the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and processes involving diazo compounds and diazo transfer reactions. Considering the significant number of contributions from our research group to this chemistry in recent decades, in this account we discuss both the development of new methods for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles and the preparation of new triazole‐functionalized biologically active molecules using classical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis induces a myopathy characterized by loss of muscle mass and weakness. Septic patients undergo prolonged periods of limb muscle disuse due to bed rest. The contribution of limb muscle disuse to the myopathy phenotype remains poorly described. To characterize sepsis‐induced myopathy with hindlimb disuse, we combined the classic sepsis model via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with the disuse model of hindlimb suspension (HLS) in mice. Male C57bl/6j mice underwent CLP or SHAM surgeries. Four days after surgeries, mice underwent HLS or normal ambulation (NA) for 7 days. Soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were dissected for in vitro muscle mechanics, morphological, and histological assessments. In SOL muscles, both CLP+NA and SHAM+HLS conditions elicited ~20% reduction in specific force (p < 0.05). When combined, CLP+HLS elicited ~35% decrease in specific force (p < 0.05). Loss of maximal specific force (~8%) was evident in EDL muscles only in CLP+HLS mice (p < 0.05). CLP+HLS reduced muscle fiber cross‐sectional area (CSA) and mass in SOL (p < 0.05). In EDL muscles, CLP+HLS decreased absolute mass to a smaller extent (p < 0.05) with no changes in CSA. Immunohistochemistry revealed substantial myeloid cell infiltration (CD68+) in SOL, but not in EDL muscles, of CLP+HLS mice (p < 0.05). Combining CLP with HLS is a feasible model to study sepsis‐induced myopathy in mice. Hindlimb disuse combined with sepsis induced muscle dysfunction and immune cell infiltration in a muscle dependent manner. These findings highlight the importance of rehabilitative interventions in septic hosts to prevent muscle disuse and help attenuate the myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report the synthesis of (E)‐3‐aryl‐2‐(5‐aryl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)acrylonitriles 3 a–k whose fluorescence properties have been investigated for the first time. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed to explain the total observed stereospecific formation of the E‐isomers of compounds 3 a–k. The fluorescence analysis of compounds 3a‐f has revealed relatively low values of the fluorescence emission quantum yields in a range of ∼1 to 10 %, depending in the nature of the substituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests are being converted to agriculture throughout the Afrotropics, driving declines in sensitive rainforest taxa such as understorey birds. The ongoing expansion of cocoa agriculture, a common small‐scale farming commodity, has contributed to the loss of 80% rainforest cover in some African countries. African cocoa farms may provide habitat for biodiversity, yet little is known about their suitability for vertebrate fauna, or the effect of farm management on animal communities.Here, we report the first in‐depth investigation into avian diversity and community composition in African cocoa, by assembling a dataset of 9,566 individual birds caught across 83 sites over 30 years in Southern Cameroon. We compared bird diversity in mature forest and cocoa using measures of alpha, beta and gamma diversity, and we investigated the effect of cocoa farm shade and forest cover on bird communities.Gamma diversity was higher in cocoa than forest, though alpha diversity was similar, indicating a higher dissimilarity (beta diversity) between cocoa farms. Cocoa farms differed from forest in community composition, with a distinctive decrease in relative abundance of insectivores, forest specialists and ant‐followers and an increase in frugivores.Within cocoa farms, we found that farms with high shade cover in forested landscapes resulted in higher relative abundance and richness of sensitive forest species; shady farms contained up to five times the proportion of forest specialists than sunny farms.Synthesis and applications. Sunny African cocoa farms were less able to support sensitive bird guilds compared with shaded farms in forested landscapes. Our findings support the notion that certain ecological and dietary guilds, such as ant‐followers and forest specialists are disproportionately affected by land‐use change. In light of the current push to increase cocoa production in sub‐Saharan Africa, our results provide policymakers opportunities for more wildlife‐friendly cocoa schemes that maximize avian diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) uses motion-encoding gradient waveforms to sensitize the magnetic resonance (MR) signal to the diffusion of water molecules. In Vivo Cardiac Diffusion Imaging Without Motion-Compensation Leads to Unreasonably High Diffusivity In tissue, water molecules move due to physiological bulk motion, perfusion, or diffusion. [Extracted from the article]

The scope of the impact of the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic on living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) practices across the world is not well‐defined. We received survey responses from 204 transplant centers internationally from May to June 2020 regarding the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on LDKT practices. Respondents represented 16 countries on five continents. Overall, 75% of responding centers reported that LDKT surgery was on hold (from 67% of North American centers to 91% of European centers). The majority (59%) of centers reported that new donor evaluations were stopped (from 46% of North American centers to 86% of European centers), with additional 23% of centers reporting important decrease in evaluations. Only 10% of centers reported slight variations on their evaluations. For the centers that continued donor evaluations, 40% performed in‐person visits, 68% by video, and 42% by telephone. Center concerns for donor (82%) and recipient (76%) safety were the leading barriers to LDKT during the pandemic, followed by patients concerns (48%), and government restrictions (46%). European centers reported more barriers related to staff limitations while North and Latin American centers were more concerned with testing capacity and insufficient resources including protective equipment. As LDKT resumes, 96% of the programs intend to screen donor and recipient pairs for coronavirus infection, most of them with polymerase chain reaction testing of nasopharyngeal swab samples. The COVID‐19 pandemic has had broad impact on all aspects of LDKT practice. Ongoing research and consensus‐building are needed to guide safe reopening of LDKT programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the Brazilian production of açaí, focusing on its waste generation and addressing mass and energy balances arising from its cultivation, extraction, processing, and waste disposal. A new technological route for açaíʼs waste management was introduced for bioenergy recovery based on the circular economy concept. In 2018, Brazil produced 1.7 million tons of açaí fruit for an income of 1.07 billion USD, and the associated waste generation (seeds) was estimated at 85%. Due to the high production of waste, an innovative approach was developed for a system boundary (conceptual line that divides the system), including the management of solid and liquid wastes through anaerobic digestion (AD). The results showed that, from 1 ton of açaí fruit fed into the facility for processing, 1.2 ton of solid waste and wastewater was generated. This waste was submitted to AD and produced 2.77 m3 of biogas, with a methane composition of 50%. The complete industrial process demands 25 kWh per ton of frozen pulp. The local energy produced by the biogas burning could be recycled and used by the process, establishing a circular energy economy for this sector. With the adoption of AD waste management, about 61% of the external electricity requirement for the açaí fruit processing can be replaced from the biogas produced. The adoption of this technology can be contribute to decarbonization. Furthermore, the implementation of AD could support the transition to a circular economy, with environmental, social, and economic benefits for local and regional sustainable development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To explore the safety and efficacy profile of teriflunomide in progressive multiple sclerosis. Methods. We conducted a single-center retrospective observational analysis of a progressive multiple sclerosis population, assessing safety and efficacy in patients treated at least one year with teriflunomide or glatiramer acetate. Sustained progression of expanded disability status scale and sustained worsening of timed 25-foot walk were compared using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results. Teriflunomide group (n = 29) mean characteristics: age = 58 years (SD ± 7.6), disease duration = 16.7 years (SD ± 9.5), expanded disability status score = 5.9 (SD ± 1.3), and follow − up = 32.4 months (SD ± 13.6). Glatiramer acetate group (n = 30) mean characteristics: age = 52.4 years (SD ± 11.3), disease duration = 15.1 years (SD ± 10.4), expanded disability status score = 5.7 (SD ± 1.6), and follow − up = 46.9 months (SD ± 43.9). Both treatments were well tolerated without serious side effects. After adjustment for age, sex, and baseline expanded disability status score, sustained expanded disability status score progression did not differ between groups (hazard ratio = 1.17 ; 95% confidence interval: 0.45, 3.08; p = 0.75). Sustained timed 25-foot walk worsening after adjustment also did not differ (hazard ratio = 0.56 ; 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 1.53; p = 0.26). Conclusion. In an advanced progressive multiple sclerosis population, no substantial differences in tolerability, safety, sustained EDSS progression, or sustained T25FW worsening over time were observed between glatiramer acetate and teriflunomide-treated groups. The small sample precluded definitive determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bananas are typical to tropical and subtropical climate regions, where they have better conditions due to high air humidity and soil water availability. The production of drought‐tolerant varieties is an alternative to expand the cultivation sites to drier areas. In this work, we present a hydroponic system for the genotype selection of Musa sp. (AA) subjected to water stress. A total of 14 banana genotypes were tested; 12 diploids and two commercial varieties with a known response to drought tolerance. The results show that the improved diploids have different responses with respect to water deficit, with the PMGB043 and PMGB044 genotypes considered more susceptible and the PMGB075 and PMGB099 genotypes more tolerant. Under water deficit conditions, most banana diploids maintain a high relative water content, but there is a reduction in aerial part growth and an increase in root dry mass. The accumulation of alcohol dehydrogenase, especially in control treatment plants, indicate that the glycolytic pathway was used to supply energy demand, showing potential flood‐tolerant genotypes. The results are essential for the preimprovement of banana cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Trichophyton rubrum (Tr) is the main aetiological agent of human dermatophytosis, being isolated from the environment and keratinised tissues. In the environment, Tr can interact with other organisms, such as free‐living amoebas (FLA), which can act as an alternative host system to study the interaction between microbes and phagocytic cells. Objectives: To characterise the Acanthamoeba castellanii (ALX)‐Tr interaction. Methods: Interaction was characterised in three conditions: trophozoites (PYG), late (PYG/NES) and early (NES) encystation stimulus, evaluating encystation kinetics, phagocytosis, exocytosis and fungicidal activity dynamics. Results: Tr was able to induce ALX encystation and be internalised by ALX. The number of internalised conidia was high at 1 hour, and ALX presented fungicidal activity with increased intracellular ROS production and exocytosis. In PYG/NES, phagocytosis and ROS production were reduced, with decreased ALX's fungicidal activity. However, in NES there was an increased fungal engulfment, and a reduced ROS production and higher fungal burden. Furthermore, exogenous mannose decreased phagocytosis of Tr conidia, and divalent cations induced ROS production and increased ALX's fungicidal activity. Interestingly, phagocytosis was reduced in the presence of cytoskeleton inhibitor, but exocytosis was increased, suggesting that Tr conidia may have alternative pathways to escape ALX's cells. Conclusion: A castellanii is a proper model for studying Tr‐FLA interaction, since ALX can engulf, produce ROS and kill Tr, and all these parameters are influenced by an encystation stimulus and divalent cations. Moreover, this interaction is likely to occur in the environment implicating in the adaptation to environmental stressful conditions in both organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]