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In a synopsis of the nomenclature of the Eurasian and African species of the so-called vagrant manna lichens twelve species are recognized. The group is included in the genus Aspicilia. Most of the accepted and synonymous names are typified. Special attention was paid to the numerous infraspecific entities published by the Russian lichenologists A.A. Elenkin and K.S. Mereschkowsky. The new combination Aspiciliafruticulosofoliacea (Elenkin) Sohrabi is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change (CC) is a global problem bringing multiple different changes in different regions that exacerbate the conflict between landscape demands. Policy in EU and elsewhere are facing the huge challenge of CC by developing specific regulations and strategies (e.g., European climate law, RDP 2014–2020) generally shaped in the United Nations Frameworks Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The "new EU strategy on adaptation to climate change" sets out how the EU can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of CC and become climate resilient by 2050. Unfortunately, the factual implementation of these policies remains critical. Most often there is a lack of science‐based decision support tools empowering regional and local levels to act toward climate resilience. Here we have produced a strong interdisciplinary research effort to support the implementation of the EU strategy on adaptation to CC by providing free web‐based Decision Support Systems having a strong focus on factual territories. Our Geospatial Decision Support System aims to support local authorities/communities, scientists, and other stakeholders in EU and more in detail in Italy in better understanding and implementing local adaptation to climate change by means of a "Climate Change Resilience" toolbox oriented to evaluate the climatic anomalies and thermal crop adaptation. Specifically, in this research, two implemented tools have been discussed: (i) tool on General climatic variation and (ii) tool on Crop thermal adaptation. These tools are demonstrated in two different case studies at both EU and national level. Such a toolbox has been produced in the framework of the LANDSUPPORT Horizon 2020 project (www.landsupport.eu). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nerve transfer surgery has the potential to restore upper limb function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, there has been limited exploration of patient perception of nerve transfer. Objective: To explore the perspectives of patients with chronic SCI (>2 years from injury) on nerve transfer surgery, and to determine if an educational intervention improved participants' perceived knowledge levels about the procedure. Design: Mixed‐methods study including qualitative semi‐structured interviews and self‐reported rating scales. Pre‐ and post‐interviews were completed following an educational presentation. Setting Two local SCI clinics. Participants: Ten patients with chronic traumatic SCI and neurological level of injury C3‐C7 (motor complete or incomplete), recruited via snowball sampling (six male, four female). Intervention: An educational slide presentation on nerve transfer concepts. Main Outcome Measures: The primary study outcome measure is the participants' responses to interview questions. The secondary study outcome measure is their self‐reported knowledge levels of nerve transfer before and after education. Results: Regaining upper limb function was a priority for all participants. Although most participants had heard of nerve transfer, none were offered it at the time of their SCI, and only two stated that they had any peers who had undergone the procedure. The educational module significantly increased self‐rated scores on understanding of nerve transfer (p <.05). Although all participants were open to nerve transfer after the educational module, they described weighing different factors, including (1) potential for loss versus gain of function, (2) inadequate knowledge about nerve transfer, (3) recovery time, and (4) determining their eligibility for the surgery. Conclusions: These findings suggest that people with SCI have limited understanding of nerve transfer as a potential option and would benefit from educational opportunities to help them make informed decisions. This study may inform the development of patient resources to improve pre‐surgical consultation and informed decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the success rate of current preclinical drug trials, there is a growing need for more complex and relevant models that can help predict clinical resistance to anticancer agents. Here, we present a three-dimensional (3D) technology, based on biomimetic collagen scaffolds, that enables the modeling of the tumor hypoxic state and the prediction of in vivo chemotherapy responses in terms of efficacy, molecular alterations, and emergence of resistance mechanisms. The human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 (triple negative) and MCF-7 (luminal A) were treated with scaling doses of doxorubicin in monolayer cultures, 3D collagen scaffolds, or orthotopically transplanted murine models. Lineage-specific resistance mechanisms were revealed by the 3D tumor model. Reduced drug uptake, increased drug efflux, and drug lysosomal confinement were observed in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. In luminal A MCF-7 cells, the selection of a drug-resistant subline from parental cells with deregulation of p53 pathways occurred. These cells were demonstrated to be insensitive to DNA damage. Transcriptome analysis was carried out to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in treated cells. DEG evaluation in breast cancer patients demonstrated their potential role as predictive biomarkers. High expression of the transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) and the tumor protein p53-inducible protein 3 (TP53I3) was associated with shorter relapse in patients affected by ER+ breast tumor. Likewise, the same clinical outcome was associated with high expression of the lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 LAMP1 in triple-negative breast cancer. Hypoxia inhibition by resveratrol treatment was found to partially re-sensitize cells to doxorubicin treatment. Our model might improve preclinical in vitro analysis for the translation of anticancer compounds as it provides: (a) more accurate data on drug efficacy and (b) enhanced understanding of resistance mechanisms and molecular drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive knowledge of total organic carbon (TOC) dynamics in the soil as affected by cropping system and fertilizer application is imperative for maintaining soil health. We investigated the effect of long-term (16-yr) use of farmyard manure (FYM), crop residues, green manure (GM) and inorganic fertilizers in rice-wheat rotation on TOC pools, and crop yields with the objective to establish an interrelationship among these parameters under long-term rice-wheat cropping system. The study was initiated in 1999 under AICRP on a Long-Term Fertilizer Experiment conducted at Raipur, India, with eight fertilizer treatments, that is, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + ZnSO4, 100% N, 100% NP, 100% NPK + FYM, 50% NPK + GM and control (no fertilizer and manure). Results revealed that the manure addition increased the sensitive fractions of TOC such as water soluble C, acid hydrolyzable carbohydrates, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC). However, the percent increase was relatively lower in chemical fertilizer treatments compared to integrated use of fertilizers and manure. The particulate organic matter carbon (POMC) appeared to be the most affected one. Higher content of POMC was noticed in macro-aggregates than micro-aggregates and declined substantially in the aggregates of 100% N- and 100% NP-treated plots leading to lower nutrient supplying capacity of the soils. Humic acid C fractions, that is, a passive pool of TOC was significantly higher in FYM in combination with balanced fertilizer treatments. These results emphasized that the integrated nutrient supply strategy is necessary to sustain the long-term TOC storage and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection has been shown to play an integral role in the development and prognosis of various head and neck cancers. Generational changes in sexual behavior may have led to an increased incidence of positivity in recent years. HPV positivity in both benign and malignant lesions of the sinonasal cavities has been shown in previous studies (estimates range from 20%-30% for malignancy). We intend to investigate if HPV positivity affected survival outcomes in our patient cohort., Methods/materials: Twenty-six patients diagnosed pathologically for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with available archived biopsy specimens were retrospectively analyzed to obtain HPV status using a real-time, multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that detects and quantifies 15 known high-risk HPV types. Demographic information was collected, and survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier estimation., Results: Sixteen of 26 (62%) SCC tumors in the patient cohort were positive for HPV DNA. HPV types 16 and 18 were the most common (n = 8 and 2, respectively), although a wide range of HPV types across the 15 tested were positive. Survival analyses showed a statistically significant survival advantage (median survival of 12 vs. 54 months) when accounting for HPV positivity using log-rank testing (P < 0.003)., Conclusion: HPV positivity appears to be present in a significant proportion of squamous cell carcinoma cases of the nasal cavity. In our limited patient population there does appear to be a survival advantage to HPV positivity. Further prospective, multi-institutional trials with standardized treatment protocols are needed to elucidate the true impact of HPV positivity in this subset of head and neck cancers., Level of Evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1600-1603, 2017., (© 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

A primitive cryptodiran turtle,Indochelys spatulatagen. et sp. nov., is described from the Early Jurassic Kota Formation, a member of the Upper Gondwana Group in the Pranhita-Godavari Valley, Deccan, India. The shell morphology ofIndochelysdiffers substantially from that of the TriassicProganochelysof Germany but is significantly similar to the oldest known Early Jurassic cryptodire,Kayentachelys, from the Kayenta Formation of Arizona.Indochelysalso shares many shell characters with the Late Jurassic North American turtles, in particularDinochelys. The new family Indochelyidae is proposed, which probably has the same phyletic status as that of Kayentachelyidae, with both evolving simultaneously in different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to examine the acute effects of sprint exercise (SIT) on global gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) in healthy subjects, to enhance understanding of how SIT influences body weight regulation. The hypothesis was that SIT upregulates genes involved in mitochondrial function and fat metabolism. A total of 15 subjects performed three 30‐s all‐out sprints (SIT). Samples were collected from AT, skeletal muscle (SM) and blood (brachial artery and a subcutaneous AT vein) up to 15 min after the last sprint. Results showed that markers of oxidative stress, such as the purines hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid, increased markedly by SIT in both the artery and the AT vein. Purines also increased in AT and SM tissue. Differential gene expression analysis indicated a decrease in signaling for mitochondrial‐related pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, electron transport, ATP synthesis, and heat production by uncoupling proteins, as well as mitochondrial fatty acid beta oxidation. This downregulation of genes related to oxidative metabolism suggests an early‐stage inhibition of the mitochondria, potentially as a protective mechanism against SIT‐induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal growth and fracture healing rely on the mineralization of cartilage in a process called endochondral ossification. Chondrocytes firstly synthesize and then modify cartilage by the release of a wide range of particles into their extracellular space. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are one type of such particles, but their roles in endochondral ossification are yet to be fully understood. It remains a challenge to obtain representative populations of chondrocyte‐derived EVs, owing to difficulties both in preserving the function of primary chondrocytes in culture and in applying the serum‐free conditions required for EV production. Here, we used the ATDC5 cell‐line to recover chondrocyte‐derived EVs from early‐ and late‐differentiation stages, representing chondrocytes before and during cartilage mineralization. After screening different culture conditions, our data indicate that a serum‐free Opti‐MEM‐based culture medium preserves chondrocyte identity and function, matrix mineralization and cell viability. We subsequently scaled‐up production and isolated EVs from conditioned medium by size‐exclusion chromatography. The obtained chondrocyte‐derived EVs had typical ultrastructure and expression of classical EV markers, at quantities suitable for downstream experiments. Importantly, chondrocyte‐derived EVs from late‐differentiation stages had elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase activity. Hence, we established a method to obtain functional chondrocyte‐derived EVs before and during cartilage mineralization that may aid the further understanding of their roles in endochondral bone growth and fracture healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of various human cytokines on the in vitro growth of Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) promastigotes. rhIFN-α, rhIFN-β. rhIL-1, rhIL-2, rhIL-3, rhIL-4, rhIL-6 and rhM-CSF had no effect. By contrast, rhIFN-γ was directly growth inhibitory to L. donovani promastigotes in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-IFN-γ antibody, but neither anti-IFN-α nor anti-IFN-β antibody, abolished this promastigote growth inhibitory effect of rhIFN-γ. L. donovani promastigotes were not lysed by rhIFN-γ as determined by 51Cr-release assay. These data indicate that rhIFN-γ is cytostatic, not cytotoxic, to L. donovani promastigotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heusler compounds belong to a large family of materials and exhibit numerous physical phenomena with promising applications, particularly ferromagnetic Weyl semimetals for their use in spintronics and memory devices. Here, anomalous Hall transport is reported in the room‐temperature ferromagnets NiMnSb (half‐metal with a Curie temperature (TC) of 660 K) and PtMnSb (pseudo half‐metal with a TC of 560 K). They exhibit 4 µB/f.u. magnetic moments and non‐trivial topological states. Moreover, NiMnSb and PtMnSb are the first half‐Heusler ferromagnets to be reported as Weyl semimetals, and they exhibit anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) due to the extended tail of the Berry curvature in these systems. The experimentally measured AHC values at 2 K are 1.8 × 102 Ω−1 cm−1 for NiMnSb and 2.2 × 103 Ω−1 cm−1 for PtMnSb. The comparatively large value between them can be explained in terms of the spin‐orbit coupling strength. The combined approach of using ab initio calculations and a simple model shows that the Weyl nodes located far from the Fermi energy act as the driving mechanism for the intrinsic AHC. This contribution of topological features at higher energies can be generalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the middle of an ever‐changing landscape of diabetes care, precision medicine, and lifestyle therapies are becoming increasingly important. Dietary polyphenols are like hidden allies found in our everyday meals. These biomolecules, found commonly in fruits, vegetables, and various plant‐based sources, hold revolutionary potential within their molecular structure in the way we approach diabetes and its intimidating consequences. There are currently numerous types of diabetes medications, but they are not appropriate for all patients due to limitations in dosages, side effects, drug resistance, a lack of efficacy, and ethnicity. Currently, there has been increased interest in practicing herbal remedies to manage diabetes and its related complications. This article aims to summarize the potential of dietary polyphenols as a foundation in the treatment of diabetes and its associated consequences. We found that most polyphenols inhibit enzymes linked to diabetes. This review outlines the potential benefits of selected molecules, including kaempferol, catechins, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, in managing diabetes mellitus as these compounds have exhibited promising results in in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and some preclinical trials study. This encompassing exploration reveals the multifaceted impact of polyphenols not only in mitigating diabetes but also in addressing associated conditions like inflammation, obesity, and even cancer. Their mechanisms involve antioxidant functions, immune modulation, and proinflammatory enzyme regulation. Furthermore, these molecules exhibit anti‐tumor activities, influence cellular pathways, and activate AMPK pathways, offering a less toxic, cost‐effective, and sustainable approach to addressing diabetes and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the field water cycle and corresponding water use efficiency (WUE) is very important for optimizing fertilization rates and conserving stressed water resources. We modeled soil moisture dynamics of maize (Zea mays L.), finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn.), and lablab [Lablab purpureus (L..) Sweet] plots using calibrated HYDRUS‐1D model on two experimental sites (rain‐fed and irrigated) for three seasons under different N treatments. The results indicate that the effects of N depended on plant specific properties such as N‐fixation and drought tolerance, and on plant available water content governed by soil structure and rainfall seasonal variability. Maize WUE of plots which received 150 kg/ha of urea (46 %$\%$ N) were 10–30 kg/ha/mm higher than plots which received none; likewise, millet that received 50 kg/ha of urea had a 7–10 kg/ha/mm higher WUE than control plots in both experiments. However, differences in water cycle components were noticeable between N treatments only in the rain‐fed experiment, where higher N levels led to around 60 and 30 mm higher transpiration, 30 and 20 mm lower evaporation, and 30 and 15 mm lower percolation per season for maize and millet, respectively. In 2018, which was the driest year, the difference in maize WUE between the high and low N treatments was only 1 kg/ha/mm, which corresponded with low actual to potential transpiration ratios (<50%$<\!50\%$). This indicates higher sensitivity of maize to water stress compared to the other crops. The results of lablab indicate a positive impact of N fertilization on WUE only under water‐limited conditions. Core Ideas: HYDRUS models calibrated and validated based on soil moisture of minimum three soil profiles per crop per treatment.Transpiration reduction was calculated as a proxy for water stress and used to distinguish between nitrogen (N) and water stress effect.Favorable soil conditions such as good pH and water availability appear to minimize N effect on field water cycle.Precipitation amounts and plant‐specific properties interact to determine how N affects water balance and water use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid‐enclosed structures released by virtually all life forms, have gained significant attention due to their role in intercellular and interorganismal communication. Despite their recognized importance in disease processes and therapeutic applications, fundamental questions about their primary function remain. Here, we propose a different perspective on the primary function of EVs, arguing that they serve as essential elements providing membrane area for long‐distance, contact‐dependent cellular communication based on protein‐protein interaction. While EVs have been recognized as carriers of genetic information, additional unique advantages that they could provide for cellular communication remain unclear. Here, we introduce the concept that the substantial membrane area provided by EVs allows for membrane contact‐dependent interactions that could be central to their function. This membrane area enables the lateral diffusion and sorting of membrane ligands like proteins, polysaccharides or lipids in two dimensions, promoting avidity‐driven effects and assembly of co‐stimulatory architectures at the EV‐cell interface. The concept of vesicle‐induced receptor sequestration (VIRS), for example, describes how EVs confine and focus receptors at the EV contact site, promoting a dense local concentration of receptors into signalosomes. This process can increase the signalling strength of EV‐presented ligands by 10‐1000‐fold compared to their soluble counterparts. The speculations in this perspective advance our understanding of EV‐biology and have critical implications for EV‐based applications and therapeutics. We suggest a shift in perspective from viewing EVs merely as transporters of relevant nucleic acids and proteins to considering their unique biophysical properties as presentation platforms for long‐distance, contact‐dependent signalling. We therefore highlight the functional role of the EV membrane rather than their content. We further discuss how this signalling mechanism might be exploited by virus‐transformed or cancer cells to enhance immune‐evasive mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a pentacyclic triterpene with reported protective effects against various diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis, and different cancers. However, the effects of OA on obesity‐induced muscle atrophy remain largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of OA on skeletal muscle production and proliferation of C2C12 cells. We report that OA significantly increased skeletal muscle mass and improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. OA inhibited dexamethasone (Dex)‐induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myoblasts by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In addition, it also inhibited expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin1 genes in skeletal muscle of obese mice suffering from muscle atrophy, and increased the activation of PI3K and Akt, thereby promoting protein synthesis, and eventually alleviating muscle atrophy. Taken together, these findings suggest OA may have potential for the prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the clear risk that zoonotic viruses pose to global health and economies. The scientific community responded by developing several efficacious vaccines which were expedited by the global need for vaccines. The emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 breakthrough infections highlights the need for additional vaccine modalities to provide stronger, long‐lived protective immunity. Here we report the design and preclinical testing of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) as a multi‐subunit vaccine. Cell lines were engineered to produce sEVs containing either the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike receptor‐binding domain, or an antigenic region from SARS‐CoV‐2 Nucleocapsid, or both in combination, and we tested their ability to evoke immune responses in vitro and in vivo. B cells incubated with bioengineered sEVs were potent activators of antigen‐specific T cell clones. Mice immunised with sEVs containing both sRBD and Nucleocapsid antigens generated sRBD‐specific IgGs, nucleocapsid‐specific IgGs, which neutralised SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. sEV‐based vaccines allow multiple antigens to be delivered simultaneously resulting in potent, broad immunity, and provide a quick, cheap, and reliable method to test vaccine candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuroprotective effects of dietary patterns have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to examine the association between the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), and the Mediterranean‐DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) with the severity and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this comparative cross‐sectional study, 120 patients with PD and 50 healthy participants participated. Adherence to DASH, MeDi, and MIND dietary patterns was determined according to the dietary intake data using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Severity of PD was determined by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The mean score of the DASH was significantly lower in the PD group compared to the healthy group (p =.006), but the mean score of MeDi and MIND did not significantly differ between the two groups (p >.05). Also, the mean score of the DASH was significantly lower in men than in women in the healthy group (p =.018). High adherence to the DASH diet decreased the risk of PD by 15% (OR = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.751, 0.976, p =.020). Participants in quartiles 3 and 4 of the DASH dietary pattern had 86% (p =.003) and 87% (p =.007), respectively, lower risk of PD. MeDi and MIND diets were not significantly associated with the risk of PD. There was no significant association between dietary patterns and the severity of PD. The findings indicate that high adherence to the DASH dietary pattern may protect against PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests vitamin D3 (VD) supplementation can reduce accumulation of adipose tissue and inflammation and promote myogenesis in obese individuals, and thus could mitigate obesity‐induced reductions in skeletal muscle (SkM) contractility. However, this is yet to be directly investigated. This study, using the work‐loop technique, examined effects of VD (cholecalciferol) supplementation on isolated SkM contractility. Female mice (n = 37) consumed standard low‐fat diet (SLD) or high‐fat diet (HFD), with or without VD (20,000 IU/kg−1) for 12 weeks. Soleus and EDL (n = 8–10 per muscle per group) were isolated and absolute and normalized (to muscle size and body mass) isometric force and power output (PO) were measured, and fatigue resistance determined. Absolute and normalized isometric force and PO of soleus were unaffected by diet (P > 0.087). However, PO normalized to body mass was reduced in HFD groups (P < 0.001). Isometric force of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was unaffected by diet (P > 0.588). HFD reduced EDL isometric stress (P = 0.048) and absolute and normalized PO (P < 0.031), but there was no effect of VD (P > 0.493). Cumulative work during fatiguing contractions was lower in HFD groups (P < 0.043), but rate of fatigue was unaffected (P > 0.060). This study uniquely demonstrated that high‐dose VD had limited effects on SkM contractility and did not offset demonstrated adverse effects of HFD. However, small and moderate effect sizes suggest improvement in EDL muscle performance and animal morphology in HFD VD groups. Given effect sizes observed, coupled with proposed inverted U‐shaped dose‐effect curve, future investigations are needed to determine dose/duration specific responses to VD, which may culminate in improved function of HFD SkM. What is the central question of this study?Can vitamin D supplementation alleviate detrimental effects of high‐fat diet (HFD) consumption on contractile performance of isolated skeletal muscles?What is the main finding and its importance?The present study is the first to examine the synergistic effects of HFD consumption and vitamin D supplementation on the contractile performance of isolated skeletal muscle. These findings suggest high dose vitamin D has limited effects on force, power or fatigue resistance of isolated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamins are crucial for sustaining life because they play an essential role in numerous physiological processes. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a wide range of severe health issues. In this context, there is a need to administer vitamin supplements through appropriate routes, such as the oral route, to ensure effective treatment. Therefore, understanding the pharmacokinetics of vitamins provides critical insights into absorption, distribution, and metabolism, all of which are essential for achieving the desired pharmacological response. In this review paper, we present information on vitamin deficiencies and emphasize the significance of understanding vitamin pharmacokinetics for improved clinical research. The pharmacokinetics of several vitamins face various challenges, and thus, this work briefly outlines the current issues and their potential solutions. We also discuss the feasibility of enhanced nanocarrier‐based pharmaceutical formulations for delivering vitamins. Recent studies have shown a preference for nanoformulations, which can address major limitations such as stability, solubility, absorption, and toxicity. Ultimately, the pharmacokinetics of pharmaceutical dosage forms containing vitamins can impede the treatment of diseases and disorders related to vitamin deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The causal association between osteoarthritis (OA) and bladder cancer remains unclear. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study was carried out to assess the potential causal effects of any OA, knee OA and hip OA, and bladder cancer. Method: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for OA and bladder cancer were obtained in GWAS CATALOG, UK Biobank, and FinnGen Consortium. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was primarily conducted to evaluate the causal relationships between OA and bladder cancer, and MR-Egger intercept and Cochran's Q test were mainly used to estimate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. MR-PRESSO was used to test the presence of horizontal outliers. Leave-one-out analysis was utilized to ensure the reliability of the results. Results: A higher genetic predisposition to any OA has a causal association with bladder cancer risk, while neither knee OA nor hip OA is causally linked to bladder cancer. MR-Egger intercept analysis exhibited that any OA and knee OA had no pleiotropic effect on the risk of bladder cancer, and Cochran's Q test showed that any OA, knee OA and hip OA had no heterogeneity on bladder cancer risk. Neither MR PRESSO analysis nor leave-one-out analysis revealed any outlier SNPs. Conclusions: This MR study exhibited a positive cause-and-effect relationship between any type of OA and bladder cancer risk, but not between site-specific OA, knee OA and hip OA, and bladder cancer. Attention should be paid to the screening and prevention of bladder cancer in OA patients at any site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway epithelial cell injury plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, a novel form of Cu‐induced programmed cell death known as cuproptosis has not yet been thoroughly investigated in the context of COPD. Clinical reports have suggested that high copper exposure may increase the risk of COPD. In this study, we aimed to determine the expression and potential functions of cuproptosis‐related genes and genes associated with copper metabolism in COPD. We initially identified 52 copper metabolism‐related genes based on a review of the literature. Subsequently, we calculated the expression levels of these genes using data from four GEO datasets. To gain insights into the activated signalling pathways and underlying mechanisms in COPD patients, we conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses, examined protein–protein interactions, and performed weighted correlation network analysis. Our findings revealed that 18 key copper metabolism‐related genes, including 5 cuproptosis‐related genes, were significantly enriched in signalling pathways and biological processes associated with the development of COPD. Further analysis of clinical data and animal experiments confirmed the high expression of certain cuproptosis key regulators, such as DLD and CDKN2A, in both healthy smokers and COPD smokers. Additionally, these regulators exhibited abnormal expression in a COPD rat model. Notably, copper content was found to be elevated in the lung tissues of COPD rats, suggesting its potential involvement in cuproptosis. These findings provide an experimental foundation for further research into the role of cuproptosis in COPD. Targeting copper metabolism‐related genes may represent an effective approach for the treatment of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2‐Amino‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile‐6‐phenylsulfanylpyridines occupy a prominent place among the physiologically and biologically active scaffolds owing to their therapeutic applications in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, asthma, urinary incontinence, kidney disease, the Hepatitis B infections, Creutzfeldt–Jacob disease, cancer, hypoxia/ischemia and epilepsy. A one‐pot, multicomponent condensation of aldehydes, malononitrile, and thiophenol catalyzed by Montmorillonite K10 clay afforded 2‐amino‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile‐6‐phenylsulfanylpyridines in good to excellent yields. All the products could be well characterized on the basis of spectral studies. The catalyst could be recycled three times without affecting the yields and even in the fourth recycling of the catalyst, the yield decreases marginally. This approach manifests environmentally benign feasibility in contexts of enhanced yields, milder conditions, short reaction times, and reusability of the catalyst. A theoretical study of a synthesized compound at the B3LYP/6–31 + G (d) level is additionally reported. Following the computation of the fundamental vibrational wavenumbers and intensities, it became evident that the observed and calculated wavenumbers were in perfect accord. Employing the same DFT level, Frontier molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) energies, global reactivity descriptors, and molecular electrostatic potential were estimated for assessing the reactivity and possible sites for electrophilic and nucleophilic molecules. The outcomes prove that the compound exhibits significant kinetic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) has been shown to activate extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) via distinct pathways dependent on either G‐protein or β‐arrestin. However, there has not been a systematic study of the regulatory process of D2R‐mediated ERKs activation by G protein‐ versus β‐arrestin‐dependent signaling since D2R stimulation of ERKs reflects the simultaneous action of both pathways. Here, we investigated that differential regulation of D2R‐mediated ERKs activation via these two pathways. Our results showed that G protein‐dependent ERKs activation was transient, rapid, reached maximum level at around 2 min, and importantly, the activated ERKs were entirely confined to the cytoplasm. In contrast, β‐arrestin‐dependent ERKs activation was more sustained, slower, reached maximum level at around 10 min, and phosphorylated ERKs translocated into the nucleus. Src was found to be commonly involved in both the G protein‐ and β‐arrestin‐dependent pathway‐mediated ERKs activation. Pertussis toxin Gi/o inhibitor, GRK2‐CT, AG1478 epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, and wortmannin phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor all blocked G protein‐dependent ERKs activation. In contrast, GRK2 and β‐Arr2 played a main role in β‐arrestin‐dependent ERKs activation. Receptor endocytosis showed minimal effect on the activation of ERKs mediated by both pathways. Furthermore, we found that the formation of a complex composed of phospho‐ERKs, β‐Arr2, and importinβ1 promoted the nuclear translocation of activated ERKs. The differential regulation of various cellular components, as well as temporal and spatial patterns of ERKs activation via these two pathways, suggest the existence of distinct physiological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐CO2 batteries have been at the forefront of reducing CO2 emissions and addressing the present energy crisis. As the Martian atmosphere is 95 % CO2, this battery technology is ideal as a stand‐alone energy storage device on the planet. However, challenges such as low reversibility, high charging voltages, and poor cycling life restrict its practicability. The current study addresses these by increasing the reversibility of the active reaction sites on the cathode via a synergistic interaction between the RuNi nanoparticle catalyst and candle soot carbon (CSC). This helps the system achieve a full discharge capacity of 15207 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 200 mA g−1 with 99.3 % coulombic efficiency and an efficient cycling life of over 100 cycles at a higher current density of 500 mA g−1 for a limited capacity of 500 mAh g−1. Further, combining ex‐situ physical characterizations and density functional theory helps understand the underlying mechanism for improving the bidirectional CO2 reduction and evolution activities during discharging and charging. The study, thus using a bimetallic catalyst and carbon, provides an approach for a single solution towards addressing the dual challenges of regulating CO2 emissions on Earth and providing a constant energy source on Mars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We model Coulomb stress transfer (CST) due to 30 strong earthquakes occurring on normal faults since 1509 CE in Calabria, Italy, including the influence of interseismic loading, and compare the results to existing studies of stress interaction from the Central and Southern Apennines, Italy. The three normal fault systems have different geometries and long‐term slip‐rates. We investigate the extent to which stress transfer can influence the occurrence of future earthquakes and what factors may govern the variability in earthquake recurrence in different fault systems. The Calabrian, Central Apennines, and Southern Apennines fault systems have 91%, 73%, and 70% of faults with mean positive cumulative CST in the time considered; this is due to fewer faults across strike, more across strike stress reductions, and greater along‐strike spacing in the three regions respectively. In regions with close along strike spacing or few faults across strike, such as Calabria and Southern Apennines, the stress loading history is mostly dominated by interseismic loading and most faults are positively stressed before an earthquake occur on them (96% of all faults that ruptured in Calabria; 94% of faults in Southern Apennines), and some of the strongest earthquakes occur on faults with the highest mean cumulative stress of all faults prior to the earthquake. In the Central Apennines, where across strike interactions are the predominant process, 79% of earthquakes occur on faults positively stressed. The results highlight that fault system geometry plays a central role in characterizing the stress evolution associated with earthquake recurrence. Plain Language Summary: Studies of fault interactions can improve our understanding of when and where the next earthquakes will occur. Here, we investigate how the orientation, length, location, and number of faults in a system influence the occurrence of future earthquakes, by modeling the stresses transferred during historical earthquakes and the regional stress in the Calabria region, southern Italy. We compare our results to similar models obtained for the Central Apennines and Southern Apennines in Italy. The Central Apennines hosts a complex fault system, with many overlapping faults, so that when an earthquake occurs, many of the surrounding faults experience a stress decrease. Whereas the Southern Apennines and Calabria have a simpler geometry, with fewer faults and less overlap, therefore the dominant process is stress increase. These characteristics influence the way faults build up stress, and we find that in regions with simpler geometry, a higher proportion of faults are positively stressed before an earthquake occurs on them, compared to regions with higher geometrical complexity. Our results show that fault system geometry plays a central role in characterizing the stress evolution associated with earthquake recurrence, and can possibly influence the occurrence of earthquake sequences that propagate between faults in a short time. Key Points: We compare Coulomb stress changes due to historical earthquakes and regional stress in three normal fault systems with different geometryFault system geometric complexity influences the number of faults that are positively stressed before they rupture in an earthquakeHigh slip rates and simple fault system geometry favor accumulation of high stress on faults and may promote triggered earthquake sequences [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have wide applications, and guest/host doping is an important method to achieve RTP. Although weak host–guest interactions (such as hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking) are considered to play a key role in inducing RTP in most doped systems (DSs), stronger and facile coordination bonds can achieve RTP more effectively and are believed to do so in DSs in related research. However, there is a lack of solid experimental evidence. Herein a new stable ligand‐modified lead halide (PCB) is synthesized and used as matrix to prepare RTP NA/PCB DSs with naphthalene derivatives (NA) as guests. Remarkably, a coordination bond between host and guest is experimentally demonstrated and revealed to play a decisive role in the generation of efficient RTP. On this basis, a coordination‐driven doping strategy is proposed to achieve efficient, multicolored, and long‐lived RTP of the DSs. In addition, NA/PCB shows excellent RTP stability and can be used in advanced security encryption, white light emitting diodes, and phosphorescent temperature sensors. This work not only proves the important role of coordination bonds in the RTP DSs, but also shows the potential of the ligand‐modified lead halide matrix as the host material of RTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the K‐essence Vaidya Schwarzschild spacetime, the dynamical horizon equation to measure the mass‐loss due to Hawking radiation and the tunneling formalism (Hamilton‐Jacobi method) to calculate the hawking temperature is applied. Assuming the Dirac‐Born‐Infeld kind of non‐standard action for the K‐essence here, the background physical spacetime is a static spherically symmetric black hole, and the K‐essence scalar field to be a function only of either forward or backward time is constrained. The K‐essence emergent gravity and the generalizations of Vaidya spacetime have been linked by Manna et al. In this paper, Sawayama's modified description of the dynamical horizon to show that the obtained findings deviate from the standard Vaidya spacetime geometry are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the use of lentisk oil and honey as natural sources to formulate margarine with ameliorated quality and oxidative stability. For this, five margarines were formulated with honey and different concentrations of lentisk oil. Analyses were performed on oil and honey used, and then physicochemical characterization and several oxidative stability tests were applied to assess margarine quality. The results showed a significant richness of lentisk oil and honey in total phenolics and total flavonoids and expressed good antioxidant activities. As well as the evaluation of oxidative stability of enriched margarines during 3 months of storage demonstrated that margarine added with 2% lentisk oil (M1) had the best resistance properties and longer Rancimat induction time (22.26 h), better than the control and margarines added with 5% (M2), 10% (M3), and 15% (M4) lentisk oil. Globally, margarines prepared with high concentrations of lentisk oil (M2–M4) were not different from the control, whereas only M1 was permitted to ameliorate the stability of margarine with a slight influence on physicochemical parameters. The elaboration of margarine supplemented with 2% lentisk oil improves the properties of the product, which could then be applied to margarine manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to describe both management and prognosis of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), overall as well as by antidiabetic treatment, and to assess the influence of oral anticoagulation (OAC) on outcomes by DM status. Methods: The study population comprised 52 010 newly diagnosed patients with AF, 11 542 DM and 40 468 non‐DM, enrolled in the GARFIELD‐AF registry. Follow‐up was truncated at 2 years after enrolment. Comparative effectiveness of OAC versus no OAC was assessed by DM status using a propensity score overlap weighting scheme and weights were applied to Cox models. Results: Patients with DM [39.3% oral antidiabetic drug (OAD), 13.4% insulin ± OAD, 47.2% on no antidiabetic drug] had higher risk profile, OAC use, and rates of clinical outcomes compared with patients without DM. OAC use was associated in patients without DM and patients with DM with lower risk of all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio 0.75 (0.69‐0.83), 0.74 (0.64‐0.86), respectively] and stroke/systemic embolism (SE) [0.69 (0.58‐0.83), 0.70 (0.53‐0.93), respectively]. The risk of major bleeding with OAC was similarly increased in patients without DM and those with DM [1.40 (1.14‐1.71), 1.37 (0.99‐1.89), respectively]. Patients with insulin‐requiring DM had a higher risk of all‐cause mortality and stroke/SE [1.91 (1.63‐2.24)], [1.57 (1.06‐2.35), respectively] compared with patients without DM, and experienced significant risk reductions of all‐cause mortality and stroke/SE with OAC [0.73 (0.53‐0.99); 0.50 (0.26‐0.97), respectively]. Conclusions: In both patients with DM and patients without DM with AF, OAC was associated with lower risk of all‐cause mortality and stroke/SE. Patients with insulin‐requiring DM derived significant benefit from OAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of monodisperse azobenzene (Azo) polymer microspheres by dispersion polymerization was reported. The photo‐induced fusion of Azo polymer microspheres was successfully achieved during the process of reversible trans‐cis‐trans photoisomerization of Azo units, and induced various unique "microsphere molecular" clusters or "microsphere polymers". Encouraged by this interesting phenomenon, microsphere clusters of different topological structures were stabilized by the in situ acetal cross‐linking chemistry. The photo‐induced fusion polymerization of monodisperse polymer microspheres provides a new strategy for designing photo‐responsive clusters and allows for control over the mechanical properties of microspheres with high spatiotemporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cells execute specific responses to diverse environmental cues by encoding information in distinctly compartmentalized biochemical signalling reactions. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors enable the spatial and temporal monitoring of signalling events in live cells. Temporal and spatiotemporal computational models can be used to interpret biosensor experiments in complex biochemical networks and to explore hypotheses that are difficult to test experimentally. In this review, we first provide brief discussions of the experimental toolkit of fluorescent biosensors as well as computational basics with a focus on temporal and spatiotemporal deterministic models. We then describe how we used this combined approach to identify and investigate a protein kinase A (PKA) – cAMP – Ca2+ oscillatory circuit in MIN6 β cells, a mouse pancreatic β cell system. We describe the application of this combined approach to interrogate how this oscillatory circuit is differentially regulated in a nano‐compartment formed at the plasma membrane by the scaffolding protein A kinase anchoring protein 79/150. We leveraged both temporal and spatiotemporal deterministic models to identify the key regulators of this oscillatory circuit, which we confirmed with further experiments. The powerful approach of combining live‐cell biosensor imaging with quantitative modelling, as discussed here, should find widespread use in the investigation of spatiotemporal regulation of cell signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high oxidation potentials of electron‐deficient aromatic hydrocarbons, it is difficult to achieve the direct oxidative C(sp2)−H bonds functionalizations of such substrates. Herein, we develop a Ritter‐type amination of electron‐deficient aromatics by merging electricity and sulfate. This practical and straightforward method provides a series of acetanilides from simple electron‐deficient arenes, including mono‐, di‐ and tri‐substituted arenes (22 examples, up to 75 %) with moderate to good yields under mild conditions. This method is characterized by cheap and readily available regents, atom and step economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azoxy compounds have aroused extensive attention due to their unique biological activities, but the chemical synthesis of these compounds often suffers from limitations due to their requirement for stoichiometric oxidants, high costs, and restricted substrate range. Herein, a series of azoxy compounds were constructed via facile coupling reactions by using cost‐effective N‐methoxyformamide and nitroso compounds over Cu‐based catalysts, affording high product yields with excellent tolerance of functional groups. Significantly, the mesoporous silica nanosphere‐encapsulated ultrasmall Cu (Cu@MSN) catalyst was developed via a one‐pot synthetic method and first used for the synthesis of azoxy compounds. As compared with copper salt catalysts, the Cu@MSN catalyst exhibited remarkably enhanced catalytic activity and superior recycling stability. Such a Cu@MSN catalyst overcame the inherent drawbacks of low activity, fast deactivation, and difficult recycling of traditional metal salt catalysts in organic reactions. This work provides a green and efficient method for the construction of azoxy compounds and also creates new prospects for the application of nanoporous materials confined metal catalysts in organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the world continuing to push toward modernization and the consumption of processed foods growing at an exponential rate, the demand for texturizing agents and natural additives has also risen as a result. It has become increasingly common to use thickening agents in food products to modify their rheological and textural properties and enhance their quality characteristics. They can be divided into (1) animal derived (chitosan and isinglass), (2) fermentation produced (xanthan and curdlan), (3) plant fragments (pectin and cellulose), (4) seaweed extracts (agar and alginate), and (5) seed flours (guar gum and locust bean gum). The primary functions of these materials are to improve moisture binding capacity, modify structural properties, and alter flow behavior. In addition, some have another responsibility in the food sector, such as the main ingredient in the delivery systems (encapsulation) and nanocomposites. A galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus), known as guar gum (GG), is one of them, which has a wide range of utilities and possesses popularity among scientists and consumers. In the world of modernization, GG has found its way into numerous industries for use in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and explosives. Due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, it imparts significant thickening, gelling, and binding properties to the solution as well as increases its viscosity. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the characteristics, mechanisms, and applications of GG in different food technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Walnut proteins display poor solubility and dispersity under acidic pH conditions, which limits their application in acidic beverages and foods. This study aimed to fabricate stable nanocomplexes between phosphorylated walnut protein (PWPI) and chitosan (CS) in an acidic pH and to investigate the encapsulation capacity of the complexes. RESULTS: The PWPI/CS nanocomplexes prepared at a mass ratio of 2:1 showed small Z‐average sizes (approximately 285 nm at pH 5.5 and 222 nm at pH 3.5) with a narrow particle distribution (polydispersity index <0.3). Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) can be effectively encapsulated into PWPI/CS with improved solubility. Circular dichroism analysis indicated that PWPI/CS and CAPE‐loaded PWPI/CS (PWPI/CS‐CAPE) had reduced α‐helical content and increased β‐sheet content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis further identified the different driving forces for the complexation of PWPI and CS at pH 3.5 and 5.5 and confirmed the successful encapsulation of CAPE. The rheological results revealed that the PWPI/CS and PWPI/CS‐CAPE formed at pH 3.5 (PWPI/CS‐CAPE‐3.5) had a higher apparent viscosity and better viscoelasticity than the complexes formed at pH 5.5. The PWPI/CS‐CAPE‐3.5 also showed good stability under heat treatment, salt treatment, and long‐term storage. The PWPI/CS‐CAPE complexes showed controlled release of CAPE. CONCLUSION: Walnut protein and chitosan nanocomplexes prepared at acidic pH levels were stable and promising carriers for CAPE, which could expand the application of walnut proteins in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in space exploration has seen substantial growth following recent launch and operation of modern space technologies. In particular, the possibility of travel beyond low earth orbit is seeing sustained support. However, future deep space travel requires addressing health concerns for crews under continuous, longer‐term exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Among these challenges, radiation‐induced health issues are a major concern. Their potential to induce chronic illness is further potentiated by the microgravity environment. While investigations into the physiological effects of space radiation are still under investigation, studies on model ionizing radiation conditions, in earth and micro‐gravity conditions, can provide needed insight into relevant processes. Substantial formation of high, sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) evolution during radiation exposure is a clear threat to physiological health of space travelers, producing indirect damage to various cell structures and requiring therapeutic address. Radioprotection toward the skeletal system components is essential to astronaut health, due to the high radio‐absorption cross‐section of bone mineral and local hematopoiesis. Nanotechnology can potentially function as radioprotectant and radiomitigating agents toward ROS and direct radiation damage. Nanoparticle compositions such as gold, silver, platinum, carbon‐based materials, silica, transition metal dichalcogenides, and ceria have all shown potential as viable radioprotectants to mitigate space radiation effects with nanoceria further showing the ability to protect genetic material from oxidative damage in several studies. As research into space radiation‐induced health problems develops, this review intends to provide insights into the nanomaterial design to ameliorate pathological effects from ionizing radiation exposure. This article is categorized under:Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging TechnologiesNanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in BiologyNanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the NanoscaleTherapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma‐activated solutions have promising applications in the biomedical field. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of plasma‐activated saline (PAS) for enhancing drug sensitivity in drug‐resistant cancer cells. Our data illustrated that He + air plasma jet irradiation can generate a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species in saline. In vitro studies found that the addition of PAS to cell culture medium effectively enhanced the sensitivity of drug‐resistant cancer cells, thereby inducing complete inactivation of cancer cells by significantly increasing intracellular ROS levels in response to treatment with anticancer drugs. The results indicate that the synergistic effects of PAS and drugs could highlight a promising option for the future treatment of drug‐resistant cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidation of alkenes to carbonyls or diols compounds is important in synthesizing fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates. We report the synthesis and characterization of an aluminum metal‐organic framework node‐supported copper(II) chloride (DUT‐5‐CuCl), which is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of alkenes using H2O2 as an oxidizing agent. Styrene and various substituted styrenes were transformed into the corresponding carbonyl compounds in excellent selectivity and yields. DUT‐5‐CuCl is tolerant with various functional groups and could be recycled and reused at least 5 times in the oxidation of α‐methylstyrene. Unlike the oxidation of styrene derivatives, DUT‐5‐Cu catalyzed oxidation of aliphatic and cyclic alkenes produced 1,2‐diols compounds selectively. The mechanism of the DUT‐5‐Cu catalyzed oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde was investigated in detail by various experiments such as the determination of reaction intermediates and characterization of the catalyst after catalysis, and computational studies. This work highlights the importance of MOF‐supported earth‐abundant metal catalysts for oxidation reactions to produce fine chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: As a result of the ban on whaling, there has been a shortage of spermaceti, a natural product with applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. A green and sustainable process for the biocatalytic synthesis of a wax ester mixture analogue to natural spermaceti is presented in this paper. RESULTS: Immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase B by covalent binding to Purolite® Lifetech™ ECR8285 allowed for an immobilized derivative with 124.5 mg protein/g support (69.3% protein immobilization yield) that maintains 100% of its enzymatic activity after 12 months of cold storage and presents negligible loses of activity after 9 consecutive reaction cycles. The optimization of the synthesis process in a batch reactor resulted in conditions that, at 70 °C, 350 rpm, and 1.25% w/w of biocatalyst, achieved a conversion of 97% after 1 h of reaction. The simulation of a spermaceti production plant was carried out using the process simulation software aspenONE suite v10. The plant was designed for a continuous operation during 9 h per day, with a reactor of 20.25 L of working volume and a residence time of 1 h. The production of this plant would be 173.25 kg spermaceti/day, with a product purity of 99.55%. CONCLUSION: The main novelty of this work is the design of a spermaceti production plant, using the most sustainable methodologies and resulting in a product with exceptional characteristics and minimal waste generation. Moreover, a new lipase immobilized derivative is also described. The good values of sustainability indicators point to the viability of its industrial implementation. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]