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This study investigates the impact of acetylation treatment on Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Parota) starch, focusing Morphological, Physico‐chemical and thermal impact induced by varying acetylation levels. The research employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to examine the structural and thermal alterations resulting from acetylation. These analyses also evaluated the starch's thermal stability. Through titration, the degree of substitution and acetyl group content were quantified, demonstrating significant morphological transformations in the starch, such as increased particle size and the appearance of surface cracks on the granules. The study revealed that the degree of substitution, which changes with the duration of acetylation, markedly influences the starch's physicochemical properties, including hydrophobicity and thermal stability. Initially, acetylation reduced the gelatinization temperature, suggesting a decrease in the energy required for gelatinization. Over longer acetylation periods, however, the gelatinization temperature increased, likely due to enhanced crystallinity or molecular reorganization. These findings indicate that acetylated Parota starch has potential applications in the food industry as an encapsulating agent and in the thermoplastics industry as a plasticizer, dependent on the level of acetylation. This research underscores the utility of specific chemical modifications to adapt starch properties for various industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric technology has witnessed a resurgence in recent years due to increasing demands for sustainable energy sources and efficient cooling systems. Recently, the introduction of Te‐free thermoelectric modules using non‐toxic, abundant materials including p‐type MgAgSb and n‐type Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 marked a significant breakthrough. Despite promising performance, questions persist regarding long‐term robustness and stability, especially in harsh environments. In this study, a thorough exploration of thermoelectric modules is conducted, focusing on their performance degradation under various conditions. Through elemental mapping analysis, degradation mechanisms are identified within the modules during cycling in argon environments, where atomic migrations and the formation of complex oxides at contact regions are key factors. Furthermore, cycling tests in air reveal significant degradation, prompting the exploration of protective strategies. Surface coatings using atomic layer deposition (ALD) emerge as a promising solution, particularly by HfO2, demonstrating superior protective effects. Furthermore, re‐soldering effectively restores module performance is found, highlighting the importance of developing advanced soldering techniques to promote magnesium‐based thermoelectric technology as a sustainable alternative to Bi2Te3. These findings emphasize the importance of exploring novel contact materials and demonstrate the potential of ALD as a universal approach to enhancing module reliability and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human phosphoglycerate kinase 1(hPGK1) is a key glycolytic enzyme that regulates the balance between ADP and ATP concentrations inside the cell. Phosphorylation of hPGK1 at S203 and S256 has been associated with enzyme import from the cytosol to the mitochondria and the nucleus respectively. These changes in subcellular locations drive tumorigenesis and are likely associated with site‐specific changes in protein stability. In this work, we investigate the effects of site‐specific phosphorylation on thermal and kinetic stability and protein structural dynamics by hydrogen–deuterium exchange (HDX) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We also investigate the binding of 3‐phosphoglycerate and Mg‐ADP using these approaches. We show that the phosphomimetic mutation S256D reduces hPGK1 kinetic stability by 50‐fold, with no effect of the mutation S203D. Calorimetric studies of ligand binding show a large decrease in affinity for Mg‐ADP in the S256D variant, whereas Mg‐ADP binding to the WT and S203D can be accurately investigated using protein kinetic stability and binding thermodynamic models. HDX and MD simulations confirmed the destabilization caused by the mutation S256D (with some long‐range effects on stability) and its reduced affinity for Mg‐ADP due to the strong destabilization of its binding site (particularly in the apo‐state). Our research provides evidence suggesting that modifications in protein stability could potentially enhance the translocation of hPGK1 to the nucleus in cancer. While the structural and energetic basis of its mitochondrial import remain unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viewing teacher vulnerability as a pedagogical tool, this comparative case study examined two secondary literacy teachers' use of vulnerability in relation to various instructional goals. Through the analysis of eight video‐recorded lessons, we found that teachers demonstrated vulnerability through multiple ways within their literacy instruction through modeling ways of connecting personal experiences to texts, and establishing classroom norms that welcome difficult emotions and experiences. However, we also found that teacher vulnerability can sometimes lead to uncertainty, and even constrain student participation. We argue that teacher vulnerability helps establish a humanizing pedagogy, and offer possible strategies for teachers who are vulnerable within literacy instruction. We conclude with a discussion of different levels of appropriating vulnerability as a pedagogical tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thomasomys is the most diverse genus of the Sigmodontinae subfamily, comprising at least 51 species. Despite recent systematic advances, the monophyly of this genus, the proposed species groups and their content, and the species limits are not yet firmly established. Using a well‐sampled mitochondrial dataset, we aim to test the monophyly of the genus, infer phylogenetic relationships among species and species groups and test the limits between valid species and candidate species. For this, we used a large matrix of 272 partial non‐redundant sequences of the cytochrome b mitochondrial gene from 40 valid and 20 candidate species. Using probabilistic approaches on this dataset, we inferred Thomasomys phylogenetic relationships and explored species boundaries using four unilocus species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, bPTP and GMYC). Thomasomys sensu stricto was recovered monophyletic and well‐supported, excluding a Peruvian lineage misidentified as part of the genus. Analyses consistently recovered 10 well‐supported major clades and several paraphyletic or polyphyletic species. Delimitation methods and genetic divergences estimated that Thomasomys comprises between 81 and 93 putative species, thus potentially doubling the species diversity of Thomasomys. Such a result clearly calls for an urgent taxonomic revision of this genus and the use of further molecular loci within an integrative taxonomic approach to describe its diversity and understand its evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Santa Elina rock shelter (Central Brazil) stands out with two human occupation layers with ground sloth fossil remains from the Late Pleistocene. Here, we explore the palaeontological aspect of this site. We update the taxonomic assignment of the ground sloth found in the shelter to Glossotherium phoenesis. Radiocarbon dating performed on bioapatite (14Cbioapatite) from two tooth specimens reveal the minimum ages of 14 944–15 239 cal a bp (unit II2) and 22 339–22 534 cal a bp (unit III4), which were converted to collagen using a novel approach and presented the calibrated ages of 17 450–17 906 cal a bp (14Ccollagen = 14 547 ± 40) and 25 994–26 396 cal a bp (14Ccollagen = 22 042 ± 40). We reinforce the chronology of the oldest unit of Santa Elina with material culture in association with megafauna bones to the Last Glacial Maximum. Carbon isotopic signatures suggest a mixed feeding diet for both specimens. The most recent ground sloth presents a higher isotopic value (δ13C = −1.8‰) and narrower niche breadth (BA = 0.50) than the oldest one (δ13C = −3.3‰; BA = 0.74). We conclude that G. phoenesis lived in an arboreal savanna habitat during the phases studied. Slightly different oxygen isotopic values (δ18O = 26.2‰ and 27.9‰) might suggest a decrease in humidity over time. Our results provide insights into the palaeoecology of the tropical Pleistocene G. phoenesis and the palaeoenvironmental setting of Santa Elina when occupied by early humans and megafauna during the Late Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we use state‐level variation in Senate elections and partisanship to understand the variation in lockdown characteristics in the US. We argue that the state‐level decision makers and their parties weigh off the perceived political costs in an election year of a depressed economy against risks to public health. Democrats and Republicans, and their voters, vary in the weights they attach to these costs and benefits. We are thus exploring the marginal effect of the party–election interaction after accounting for other likely drivers of variations in lockdown characteristics. We find that Republican states with an election have less strict and shorter lockdowns compared to Democratic states with an election. Our results have implications for the communication of pandemic policies, including vaccination strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrates constitute the largest source of biomass on Earth, but their synthetic modification is challenging due to their high content in oxygen functionalities. The site‐ and stereoselective modification of native sugars is a definite goal of glycochemistry research. Recent efforts to bypass the need for protecting groups, leveraging selective activation through photochemical mechanisms for site‐selective C−C bond formation from native sugars, are likely to largely impact all glycochemistry‐related areas. Davis, Koh, and co‐workers have recently presented their use of photocatalysis to develop a “cap and glycosylate” approach for the site‐ and stereoselective C‐glycosylation of native sugars. A modernized direct radical functionalization of in situ formed thioglycoside using photocatalysis was used in the synthetic manipulation of unprotected carbohydrates. This allowed reaching complex saccharides, and post‐translational modification of proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycled aggregate concrete contributes to the recovery of construction and demolition waste, which is a growing societal concern. The technical feasibility of recycled aggregate concrete has been extensively tested and validated and the revisions of codes are already including clauses for recycled aggregate concrete specification and design. However, there are still doubts regarding its structural behavior. This article assesses the suitability of Eurocode 2 design clauses for concrete elements under compression when used for recycled aggregate concrete design. This is done through the analysis of model uncertainties that are estimated from a database collected from laboratory experiments on columns. Both the current version of Eurocode 2 (with and without taking confinement into account) and the upcoming (second generation) Eurocode 2 are considered. A database was collected with clearly defined criteria and includes coarse recycled aggregates produced from concrete waste, since columns made with other types of recycled aggregates are scarcely tested and do not represent the current status for structural recycled aggregate concrete design and production. The statistics of the model uncertainty for natural and recycled concrete columns were compared and it was observed that the mean model uncertainty tends to decrease slightly when recycled aggregates are used. However, a preliminary assessment of whether a partial factor for recycled aggregate concrete compression design should be used concluded that this partial factor is not necessary to ensure reliable design and the design of columns may be carried out using the same formulae used for conventional concrete. The format proposed may be used for other resistance models, provided that the partial factor is calibrated for each resistance model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The cancer atlas edited by several countries is the main resource for the analysis of the geographic variation of cancer risk. Correlating the observed spatial patterns with known or hypothesized risk factors is time‐consuming work for epidemiologists who need to deal with each cancer separately, breaking down the patterns according to sex and race. The recent literature has proposed to study more than one cancer simultaneously looking for common spatial risk factors. However, this previous work has two constraints: they consider only a very small (2–4) number of cancers previously known to share risk factors. In this article, we propose an exploratory method to search for latent spatial risk factors of a large number of supposedly unrelated cancers. The method is based on the singular value decomposition and nonnegative matrix factorization, it is computationally efficient, scaling easily with the number of regions and cancers. We carried out a simulation study to evaluate the method's performance and apply it to cancer atlas from the USA, England, France, Australia, Spain, and Brazil. We conclude that with very few latent maps, which can represent a reduction of up to 90% of atlas maps, most of the spatial variability is conserved. By concentrating on the epidemiological analysis of these few latent maps a substantial amount of work is saved and, at the same time, high‐level explanations affecting many cancers simultaneously can be reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α‐MoO3) is a highly anisotropic hyperbolic material in nature. Within its wide Reststrahlen bands, α‐MoO3 has hyperboloidal dispersion that supports bulk propagation of high‐k phonon polariton modes. These modes can serve as energy transport channels to greatly enhance radiative heat transfer inside the material. In this work, large radiative transfer enabled by phonon polaritons in α‐MoO3 is demonstrated. The study first determines the temperature‐dependent permittivity of α‐MoO3 from polarized Fourier‐Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements and then uses a many‐body radiative heat transfer model to predict the equivalent radiative thermal conductivity of hyperbolic phonon polariton. Contribution of radiative transfer to the total thermal transport is experimentally determined from the Time‐Domain Thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements in a temperature range from −100 to 300 °C. It is found that radiative transfer can account for ≈60% of the total thermal transport at a temperature of 300 °C. That is, conductive thermal transport is enhanced by >100% by radiative transfer, or radiation inside α‐MoO3 is greater than that of conduction. These additional energy pathways will have important implications in thermal management in new materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a demand for research to better understand the structural performance of segmental bridge joints. In this context, the main objective of this work is to present a 3D numerical modeling using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to physically simulate the behavior of concrete joints in a segmental concrete bridge. The analysis was conducted using the design of a real bridge, and the structure studied was the main span of the New Guaíba Bridge, located in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. The modeling was implemented using ANSYS software, version 21.2. The simulation considers a complete model of the span to provide a more realistic determination of the joint openings and the stress distributions in the elements. It is crucial to emphasize that the results obtained from the model do not reproduce the observed behavior of the studied bridge. The analysis considered only one span with simplified boundary conditions and higher loads than those typically adopted in usual design procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Low rumen pH is proposed to be a major mechanism for low methane (CH4) emissions from sheep fed forage rape. However, it is difficult to separate this from other in vivo factors, such as rumen passage rate. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pH alone on CH4 production in vitro using different pH buffers. Ryegrass, white clover and forage rape were incubated in vitro using three different incubation buffers with starting pH values of 5.5, 6.2 and 6.8. RESULTS: Decreasing pH reduced overall in vitro CH4 emission relative to fermented hexoses (CH4/FHex) by up to 54% and overall fermentation by 40%. pH also changed fermentation profiles where the acetate + butyrate to propionate + valerate ratio decreased when pH decreased. Within the three forages, forage rape led to the lowest CH4/FHex, but only in pH 5.5 and 6.2 buffer, and this was enhanced when the pH fell below 6. CONCLUSION: Reducing pH in vitro decreased CH4 production and overall fermentation across all forages. The lower pH reached by forage rape compared to ryegrass and white clover appears to drive the lower CH4 production relative to the extent of fermentation from forage rape compared to the other forages. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α‐MoO3) is a highly anisotropic hyperbolic material in nature. Within its wide Reststrahlen bands, α‐MoO3 has hyperboloidal dispersion that supports bulk propagation of high‐k phonon polariton modes. These modes can serve as energy transport channels to greatly enhance radiative heat transfer inside the material. In this work, large radiative transfer enabled by phonon polaritons in α‐MoO3 is demonstrated. The study first determines the temperature‐dependent permittivity of α‐MoO3 from polarized Fourier‐Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements and then uses a many‐body radiative heat transfer model to predict the equivalent radiative thermal conductivity of hyperbolic phonon polariton. Contribution of radiative transfer to the total thermal transport is experimentally determined from the Time‐Domain Thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements in a temperature range from −100 to 300 °C. It is found that radiative transfer can account for ≈60% of the total thermal transport at a temperature of 300 °C. That is, conductive thermal transport is enhanced by >100% by radiative transfer, or radiation inside α‐MoO3 is greater than that of conduction. These additional energy pathways will have important implications in thermal management in new materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive farmland in Europe hosts high biodiversity levels but is threatened by land use changes associated with market and agricultural policy drivers. We show that a nationwide replacement of rainfed cereals in favor of beef production in Portugal has coincided with a nearly 80% decline in the population of a ground‐nesting raptor, the Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus, since 2002. Reduced cereal crop cover led to nesting attempts occurring mostly in fodder crops, the predominant habitat with suitable sward structure at the onset of breeding. This results in a twofold ecological trap: early hay harvesting destroys first nesting attempts, whereas late cereal harvesting destroys replacement clutches. This double phenological mismatch prevents any breeding success and likely explains the country's observed population decline of Montagu's harriers and other key farmland birds. Reforming current agroenvironmental schemes to promote practices compatible with wild population phenology is paramount to revert these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Many transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have expressed concerns about the potential for oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis to affect hormonal concentrations achieved from taking gender‐affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). The purpose of this study was to understand the bidirectional effects between hormone and intraerythrocytic tenofovir diphosphate concentrations when switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) to tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (TAF/FTC) in TGD users/nonusers of GAHT. Methods: The study evaluated stored blood samples and dried blood spot cards from TGD adults without HIV who took ≥12 weeks of TDF/FTC and then switched to ≥12 weeks of TAF/FTC for pre‐exposure prophylaxis. Results: Thirty‐nine individuals met the study inclusion criteria. Regardless of sex assigned at birth and the use of GAHT, there were no significant differences in hormone concentrations when individuals taking GAHT were taking TDF/FTC and then switched to TAF/FTC. Further, there was no significant difference in intraerythrocytic tenofovir diphosphate concentrations between users and nonusers of GAHT. Conclusion: There are no bidirectional effects between hormone and intraerythocytic tenofovir diphosphate concentrations when switching from TDF/FTC to TAF/FTC in TGD users/nonusers of GAHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Invasive candidiasis (IC) represents a significant threat to both mortality and morbidity, especially among vulnerable populations. Intra‐abdominal candidiasis (IAC) frequently occurs in critically ill and cancer patients, with these specific groups carrying a heightened risk for such invasive fungal infections. Despite this, there is a noticeable lack of attention to IAC in cancer patients within the literature, highlighting a critical gap that requires urgent consideration. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of IAC and identify prognostic factors in a cancer centre in a middle‐income country over 10 years. Patients/Methods: A retrospective cohort observational study of adults diagnosed with IAC was conducted at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), a tertiary hospital specialising in oncological diseases with 499 beds, including 85 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, from December 2009 through May 2021. Results: A total of 128 episodes were included: 67.2% admitted to the ICU; 54.7% males; and median age 62 years. The predominant diagnosis was peritonitis (75.8%). Blood culture samples were collected from 128 patients upon admission, revealing candidemia in 17.2% (22). The most frequently isolated were C. albicans (n = 65, 50.8%) and C. glabrata (n = 42, 32.8%). Antifungal treatment was administered to 91 (71%) patients, with fluconazole (64.8%) and echinocandins (23.4%) being the most common choices. A significant proportion of these patients had a history of abdominal surgery or antibiotic use. Independent factors associated with 30‐day mortality included the median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of 6 (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.094–1.562, p = 0.003), days of treatment (median 10.5) (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.870–0.993, p = 0.031) and abdominal source control (78.1%) (OR = 0.148, 95% CI 0.030–0.719, p = 0.018). The 30‐day mortality rate was 41.1%. Conclusions: Our study underscores the critical importance of implementing effective source control as a key strategy for reducing mortality in IAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of systematic reviews (SR) of randomized controlled trials on esthetics and reconstructive breast surgery.Meta‐research study with a broad search strategy was developed to retrieve all relevant systematic reviews. We evaluated the methodological and reporting guidance adopted by these reviews and assessed their adequacy to items from AMSTAR‐2 (methodological quality) and PRISMA 2020 (reporting quality). The protocol of this study was prospectively published in: https://osf.io/preprints/osf/ucpgd.After the selection process, 15 SR were included; eight (60%) referred the use of a methodological guide and five (33.3%) invertedly referred PRISMA as the methodological guide. Reporting guidelines were referred by none of the included systematic review. The median adequacy to PRISMA‐2020 items was 42.9% (Q1 – 38.1%/Q3 – 95.2%) and to AMSTAR‐2 items was 33.3% (Q1 – 23.3%/Q3 – 93.3%) which reflects overall low reporting and methodological quality of included SR. The overall confidence in the results using AMSTAR‐2 framework was critically low in 73.3% of included SR. Although a small number of SR were included, a high correlation between the methodological and reporting quality was observed (Spearmean rho = 0.96, 95% bias‐corrected confidence interval = 0.84 to 0.99).Methodological and reposting quality of SR of randomized clinical trials on esthetic or reconstructive breast surgery is poor. Half of the authors referred to the use of valid guidance to plan and conduct their reviews and none of them referred the use of a guidance for reporting their results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokinetic abscission marks the final stage of cell division, during which the daughter cells physically separate through the generation of new barriers, such as the plasma membrane or cell wall. While the contractile ring plays a central role during cytokinesis in bacteria, fungi and animal cells, the process diverges in Apicomplexa. In Toxoplasma gondii, two daughter cells are formed within the mother cell by endodyogeny. The mechanism by which the progeny cells acquire their plasma membrane during the disassembly of the mother cell, allowing daughter cells to emerge, remains unknown. Here we identify and characterize five T. gondii proteins, including three protein phosphatase 2A subunits, which exhibit a distinct and dynamic localization pattern during parasite division. Individual downregulation of these proteins prevents the accumulation of plasma membrane at the division plane, preventing the completion of cellular abscission. Remarkably, the absence of cytokinetic abscission does not hinder the completion of subsequent division cycles. The resulting progeny are able to egress from the infected cells but fail to glide and invade, except in cases of conjoined twin parasites. Synopsis: Cytokinetic abscission in Toxoplasma gondii is dependent on the accumulation of membrane material at the division plane. Instead of the ESCRT-III machinery, this parasite and other apicomplexans have evolved a specific set of Daughter Cell Scaffold proteins that include PP2A-2 subunits and are specifically required for this process. The dynamic localization of DCS and PP2A-2 suggests that they act early during division, while affecting the daughter cell separation at the end of the endodyogeny. Expression of all DCS proteins and PP2A-2 subunits is required for proper cellular abscission. Depletion of DCS or PP2A-2 proteins leads to the formation of a parasite syncytium that is able to egress but shows defects in motility and invasion. Syncytia consisting of two conjoined parasites can invade the host cell and establish a new lytic cycle. A set of five Toxoplasma gondii proteins is crucial for the buildup of the plasma membrane at the division plane, ensuring the successful completion of cellular abscission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leadership knowledge is viewed as an essential aspect of overall leadership learning, yet questions abound as to who decides what forms of knowledge are recognized as legitimate. This article reviews existing frames of leadership knowledge along with prior attempts to codify leadership knowledge. We then examine the function of leadership knowledge within the leadership learning framework (LLF) and explore how it connects to and illuminates other facets of the LLF model. Finally, critical questions are asked about the future evolution of leadership knowledge and the roles of context, culture, and complexity in decolonizing leadership knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for osteoarthritis is one of several treatment options with benefits and harms that patients value differently. However, the process for determining TJA appropriateness does not sufficiently acknowledge patient perspectives. The aim of this paper is to propose an evidence‐informed patient‐centred conceptual model for elective TJA appropriateness for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Our interprofessional team developed a conceptual model for determining the appropriateness of adults considering elective TJA. The model was informed by a review of the evidence, a qualitative study we conducted with adults who underwent TJA for osteoarthritis to determine barriers and facilitators to the use of appropriateness criteria, and the research and clinical experience of team members. Results: Appropriateness is providing health services (e.g., TJA) with net benefits to the right patient at the right time. The proposed Patient‐centred Elective TJA Appropriateness Conceptual Model involves three key steps. First, assess adults with osteoarthritis to determine eligibility for TJA. Second, acknowledge the patient's informed preferences including their expectations and goals. Third, explore and support their mental and physical readiness for TJA. Given that osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, these steps can be revisited over time with patients. Discussion and Conclusion: Our proposed conceptual model reconceptualises the appropriateness of TJA to be more patient‐centred. Hence, this approach has the potential to be a more inclusive approach and ensure patients undergoing TJA are eligible, ready to proceed, and achieve what matters most to them. Future research is needed to test and validate the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular senescence is characterized by stable cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells exhibit a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype that can promote tumor progression. The aim of our study was to identify specific nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy‐based markers of cancer cell senescence. For metabolic studies, we employed murine liver carcinoma Harvey Rat Sarcoma Virus (H‐Ras) cells, in which reactivation of p53 expression induces senescence. Senescent and nonsenescent cell extracts were subjected to high‐resolution proton (1H)‐NMR spectroscopy‐based metabolomics, and dynamic metabolic changes during senescence were analyzed using a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)‐compatible cell perfusion system. Additionally, the ability of intact senescent cells to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) was quantified in the cell perfusion system. Analysis of senescent H‐Ras cell extracts revealed elevated sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine, myoinositol, taurine, and creatine levels, with decreases in glycine, o‐phosphocholine, threonine, and valine. These metabolic findings were accompanied by a greater degradation index of the ECM in senescent H‐Ras cells than in control H‐Ras cells. MRS studies with the cell perfusion system revealed elevated creatine levels in senescent cells on Day 4, confirming the 1H‐NMR results. These senescence‐associated changes in metabolism and ECM degradation strongly impact growth and redox metabolism and reveal potential MRS signals for detecting senescent cancer cells in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inkjet printing has emerged as a promising technique for the fabrication of halide perovskite (HP) thin films, as it enables precise and controlled deposition of the perovskite ink on a variety of substrates. One main advantage of inkjet printing for the fabrication of HP thin films is its ability to produce uniform films with controlled thickness and high coverage, which is critical for achieving high‐performance devices. Additionally, inkjet printing allows for the deposition of patterned thin films, enabling the fabrication of complex device architectures such as light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). In this work, flexible LEDs based on inkjet printed Pb‐free HP thiophene‐ethylammonium tin iodide (TEA2SnI4) are produced that has gained attention as a potential alternative to Pb‐based HPs in optoelectronic devices due to its lower toxicity, environmental impact, and high performance. The role of ink solutions is compared using pure solvents: toxic dimethyl formamide (DMF) and more eco‐friendly dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Red‐emitting devices (λmax = 633 nm) exhibit, in ambient conditions, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 0.5% with a related brightness of 21 cd m−2 at 54 mA cm−2 for DMSO‐based LEDs. The environmental impacts of films prepared with DMSO‐based solvents ensure only 40% of the impact caused by DMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most quality‐then‐price decision models under vertical product differentiation consider a predetermined market configuration. We endogenize market configuration considering quality‐dependent marginal costs and conclude that a strictly interior full coverage duopoly holds for some parameter values, unveiling the relevance of this commonly assumed market structure. Moreover, we show that a monopoly never arises in equilibrium, and (i) there are multiple equilibria at the frontier between interior and corner full coverage duopoly, (ii) the market is fully (partially) covered when relative tastes' heterogeneity is low (high), and (iii) there is a discontinuity in the transition from partial coverage to full coverage duopoly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All ecosystems contain both sources and sinks for atmospheric carbon (C). A change in their balance of net and gross ecosystem carbon uptake, ecosystem‐scale carbon use efficiency (CUEECO), is a change in their ability to buffer climate change. However, anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition is increasing N availability, potentially shifting terrestrial ecosystem stoichiometry towards phosphorus (P) limitation. Depending on how gross primary production (GPP, plants alone) and ecosystem respiration (RECO, plants and heterotrophs) are limited by N, P or associated changes in other biogeochemical cycles, CUEECO may change. Seasonally, CUEECO also varies as the multiple processes that control GPP and respiration and their limitations shift in time. We worked in a Mediterranean tree‐grass ecosystem (locally called 'dehesa') characterized by mild, wet winters and summer droughts. We examined CUEECO from eddy covariance fluxes over 6 years under control, +N and + NP fertilized treatments on three timescales: annual, seasonal (determined by vegetation phenological phases) and 14‐day aggregations. Finer aggregation allowed consideration of responses to specific patterns in vegetation activity and meteorological conditions. We predicted that CUEECO should be increased by wetter conditions, and successively by N and NP fertilization. Milder and wetter years with proportionally longer growing seasons increased CUEECO, as did N fertilization, regardless of whether P was added. Using a generalized additive model, whole ecosystem phenological status and water deficit indicators, which both varied with treatment, were the main determinants of 14‐day differences in CUEECO. The direction of water effects depended on the timescale considered and occurred alongside treatment‐dependent water depletion. Overall, future regional trends of longer dry summers may push these systems towards lower CUEECO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, dragon fruit peels were subjected to different times (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min) of ultrasound pretreatment (4.870 W m−2/25°C) and then freeze‐drying (FD) (−56°C/48 h) to obtain powder particles, which underwent physical–chemical, functional and structural characterisation. Additionally, the extraction of total phenolic compound (TPC) was evaluated through ultrasound‐assisted kinetics and mechanical agitation. Finally, films based on black rice starch were developed with the addition (0.5, 1.5 and 2.5%) of dragon fruit peel powder particles, and their physical, barrier, antioxidant, structural and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results obtained showed that all particles had low water content (4.21%–6.58%) and high solubility (84.62%–88.73%) with a reduction in particle size (23.21–39.32 μm). In the extraction of TPC, the synergistic effect of the tested conditions increased efficiency, reaching 686.66 mg GAE/100 g for pretreated dragon fruit peel powder particles (25 min) in 180 min of extraction. Furthermore, the type 'A' crystallinity structure did not change significantly with pretreatment, but there was a reduction in peak area, reflecting on relative crystallinity, with a maximum decrease of 29.04%. The starch‐based films produced with 2.5% dragon fruit peel powder particles showed low solubility (28.72%) and low water vapour permeability (5.03 × 10−8 g mm s−1 m2 Pa), however, they contained higher levels of TPC (31.78 mg GAE/100 g film) and antioxidant activity (8.17 μmol TE/g film) that were easily migrated in aqueous medium. Furthermore, they also presented low values of tensile strength at break (3.41 MPa) and Young's modulus (4.18 MPa), as well as a high value of elongation at break (45.82%). Finally, our results highlight the potential of ultrasound as a pretreatment for FD of dragon fruit peels, paving the way for the development of rice starch‐based food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brazil has a large public transplant program, but it remains unclear if the kidney waitlist criteria effectively allocate organs. This study aimed to investigate whether gender, ethnicity, clinical characteristics, and Brazilian regions affect the chance of deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Transplant System/Brazil database, which included all patients on the kidney transplant waitlist from January 2012 to December 2022, followed until May 2023. The primary outcome assessed was the chance of DDKT, measured using subdistribution hazard and cause‐specific hazard models (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR]). Results: We analyzed 118 617 waitlisted patients over a 10‐year study period. Male patients had an sHR of 1.07 ([95% CI: 1.05–1.10], p < 0.001), indicating a higher chance of DDTK. Patients of mixed race and Yellow/Indigenous ethnicity had lower rates of receiving a transplant compared to Caucasian patients, with sHR of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–1) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.95–1), respectively. Patients from the South region had the highest chance of DDKT, followed by those from the Midwest and Northeast, compared to patients from the Southeast, with sHR of 2.53 (95% CI: 2.47–2.61), 1.21 (95% CI: 1.16–1.27), and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07–1.13), respectively. The North region had the lowest chance of DDTK, sHR of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.27–0.31). Conclusion: We found that women and racial minorities faced disadvantages in kidney transplantation. Additionally, we observed regional disparities, with the North region having the lowest chance of DDKT and longer times on dialysis before being waitlisted. In contrast, patients in the South regions had a chance of DDKT and shorter times on dialysis before being waitlisted. It is urgent to implement approaches to enhance transplant capacity in the North region and address race and gender disparities in transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the kinetics of microbial cell growth, utilization of organic substrates and methane production in upflow anaerobic filters in two and three separated stages (UAF‐2SS and UAF‐3SS) treating sanitary landfill leachates, under three temperatures (20, 27, and 34°C), fed with volumetric organic loads (VOLs) for UAF‐2SS (1.8, 2.25, 2.76, 3.45, 3.71, 4.64 kgCOD (chemical oxygen demand)/m3/d) and UAF‐3SS (1.7, 2.25, 2.44, 2.6, 3.15, 3.45, 3.5, 4.57, 4.64, 6.31, 11.61, 14.18, 17.48 kgCOD/m3/d). Kinetic parameters were obtained at temperature (20–34°C), pH (8.8–9.1), each one of three stages within the UAF‐2SS and UAF‐3SS reactors containing methanogenic bacteria (Methanococcus sp., and Methanobacterium sp.) and Clostridium sp.: Maximum substrate utilization rate (rm,s) resulted in 102 mg COD/L/h, maximum microbial cell growth rate (μm) varied 102–103 CFU (colony forming units)/mL/h, methane (CH4) production rate (rm,CH4) tended to vary 100–101 mg CH4/d and the maximum production coefficient (Y) varied 0–102 CFU/mL/h/mgCOD/L/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arachis pintoi, commonly known as pinto or forage peanut, is used mainly in consortia with grass pastures and as cover plant. In addition to increasing the productivity of livestock and plantations, it contributes to the mitigation of environmental impacts (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions) and soil improvement (nitrogen fixation, reduction of fertilizers use), as well as to pests and disease management. Several cultivars that are tolerant to specific climates and soil conditions are suitable to be used as ground covers in agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, orchards, and plantations. Biotechnological and phytochemical investigations revealed the potential of pinto peanut as a sustainable source of resveratrol and other stilbenoids. Extracts from plants grown under natural conditions and from materials obtained in vitro displayed allelopathic, anthelmintic, or antioxidant activities. Other studies revealed the potential of pinto peanut for erosion control, phytoremediation, seed and essential oils production, materials for animal tissue engineering, synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery, and as green biorefineries to produce proteins, biochemicals, and biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to a growing body of scholarship at the intersection of bilingual education and education policy and examines reclassification, or the transition out of formal English language services in schools, as one potential lever in accelerating or decelerating multilingual learners' science learning. More specifically, it traces multilingual learners' science academic achievement vis‐à‐vis science test scores over a six‐year period using the nationally‐representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study of 2010–11 (ECLS‐K:2011) data set. We use regression analyses with panel data to explore the relationship of reclassification with MLs' science achievement at a national scale, and then, how variation in contextual factors (including family, school, and individual characteristics) shapes this relationship. Results show that, after controlling for covariates and prior test scores, reclassification is not significantly associated with differential science test scores when compared to students that retain their EL status. Results further show that reclassification is associated with higher science achievement for MLs who were previously in a dual‐language program but lower scores for those with higher prior achievement. We conclude with implications for the reclassification process, as well as directions for future research on reclassification, multilingual learners, and academic achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyse the general and primary outcome‐related characteristics of clinical trials protocols on COVID‐19 vaccines. Study Design and Setting: A meta‐research study. A search for clinical trial protocols on COVID‐19 vaccines was conducted on the ClinicalTrials.gov platform. We considered all protocols of comparative trials registered up to October 26, 2021. Results: Two hundred and eighty‐two trials were analysed. The median expected trial duration was 445 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 225), and the median target sample size was 420 participants (IQR = 1638). A retrospective registry (after the start date) was observed for 42.55% of the trials. Randomization procedures were planned by 84.75% and full‐blinding procedures by 34.75% of the 282 trials. Most trials were labelled as active or still recruiting, and 14 trials (5%) were completed. None of the 14 trials labelled as completed on our search date had results available. Industry funding was reported by 198 trials (70.2%). Most studies declared more than one primary outcome, usually a safety or immunogenicity outcome, and 59 studies (20.9%) had at least one primary efficacy outcome. The description of the primary efficacy outcomes was limited in most cases, referred to as a non‐specified 'efficacy' outcome (18.6%) or described as 'COVID‐19 cases' (32.2%). Conclusion: the primary outcomes of clinical trials on COVID‐19 vaccines are poorly described, and the registers provide insufficient information about them. The registry was retrospectively fulfilled for many trials, which may lead to bias and research waste. Outcomes were generically described and did not provide transparent information for replication in practice, further trials or meta‐analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on health shocks finds that minor injuries have only short‐term labor market impacts. However, mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs, commonly referred to as concussions) may be different as the medical literature highlights that they can have longer‐term health and cognitive effects. Moreover, TBIs are one of the most common causes of disability globally, with the vast majority being mild. Thus, it is important to understand the impact of mTBIs on labor market outcomes. We use administrative data on all medically‐diagnosed mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) in New Zealand linked to monthly tax records to examine the labor market effects of a mTBI. We use a comparison group of those who suffer a mTBI at a later date to overcome potential endogeneity issues, and employ a doubly‐robust difference‐in‐differences method. We find that suffering a mTBI has negative labor market effects. Rather than dissipating over time, these negative effects grow, representing a decrease in employment of 20 percentage points and earning losses of about a third after 48 months. Our results highlight the need for timely diagnosis and treatment to mitigate the effect of mTBIs to reduce economic and social costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site‐specific and covalent conjugation of proteins on solid supports and in hydrogels is the basis for the synthesis of biohybrid materials offering broad applications. Current methods for conjugating proteins to desired targets are often challenging due to unspecific binding, unstable (noncovalent) coupling, or expensive and difficult‐to‐synthesize ligand molecules. Here, is presented PenTag, an approach for the bioorthogonal, highly specific, and covalent conjugation of a protein to its ligand for various applications in materials sciences. Penicillin‐binding protein 3 (PBP3) is engineered and shows that this protein can be used for the stable and spontaneous conjugation of proteins to dyes, polymers, or solid supports. PenTag as a crosslinking tool is applied for synthesizing stimuli‐responsive hydrogels or for the development of a biohybrid material system performing computational operations emulating a 4:2 encoder. Based on this broad applicability and the use of a small, cheap, and easy‐to‐functionalize ligand and a stable, soluble recombinant protein, is seen PenTag as a versatile approach toward biohybrid material synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scalable procedure for the synthesis of 4,6‐difluorotryptophan is reported based on a deaminative coupling of a 4,6‐difluorogramine with 2‐benzylthio‐1,5‐dihydro‐4H‐imidazolone as glycine equivalent. Thus prepared 4,6‐difluorotryptophan was incorporated into the C‐terminal domain of the HIV‐1 capsid protein (CA‐CTD), and 19F spectra of the 4,6‐difluoro Trp CA CTD were recorded and compared to the singly fluorinated counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory disease in which overactive interleukin (IL)‐17A–producing cells are implicated in a central role. Therapeutically, biologics that target IL‐17A, such as secukinumab, have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes. Despite this translational success, there is a gap in understanding why some patients with axSpA do not respond to IL‐17A–blocking therapy. Our study aims to discriminate immune profiles between secukinumab responders (SEC‐R) and nonresponders (SEC‐NR).Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 30 patients with axSpA before and 24 weeks after secukinumab treatment. Frequency of CD4+ subsets were compared between SEC‐R and SEC‐NR using flow cytometry. Mature CD45RO+CD45RA‐CD4+ T cells were fluorescent‐activated cell sorting sorted, and RNA was measured using NanoString analysis.SEC‐NR had an increased frequency of IL‐17A–producing RORγt+CD4+ T cells compared to healthy controls before secukinumab treatment (P < 0.01). SEC‐NR had a significant increase of CXCR3+ CD4+ T cells before secukinumab treatment compared to SEC‐R (P < 0.01). Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed up‐regulation of type 1 interferon (IFN)‐regulated genes in SEC‐NR patients compared to SEC‐R patients after receiving the biologic. SEC‐R patients had an up‐regulated cytotoxic CD4+ T cell gene signature before receiving secukinumab treatment compared to SEC‐NR patients.The increased frequency of IL‐17A–producing cells in SEC‐NR patients suggests a larger inflammatory burden than SEC‐R patients. With treatment, SEC‐NR patients have a more pronounced type 1 IFN signature than SEC‐R patients, suggesting a mechanism contributing to this larger inflammatory burden. The results point toward more immune heterogeneity in axSpA than has been recognized and highlights the need for precision therapeutics in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a 1:1 cocrystal of (E)‐N‐(3,4‐difluorophenyl)‐1‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)methanimine with acetic acid, C12H8F2N2·C2H4O2, we investigate the influence of F atoms introduced to the aromatic ring on promoting π–π interactions. The cocrystal crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. Through crystallographic analysis and computational studies, we reveal the molecular arrangement within this cocrystal, demonstrating the presence of hydrogen bonding between the acetic acid molecule and the pyridyl group, along with π–π interactions between the aromatic rings. Our findings highlight the importance of F atoms in promoting π–π interactions without necessitating full halogenation of the aromatic ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic diseases have a significant impact on human and animal health, representing a major hazard to the public and causing economic and health damage worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have long been recognized as diagnostic and therapeutic tools but are now also known to be implicated in the natural history of parasitic diseases and host immune response modulation. Studies have shown that EVs play a role in parasitic disease development by interacting with parasites and communicating with other types of cells. This review highlights the most recent research on EVs and their role in several aspects of parasite‐host interactions in five key parasitic diseases: Chagas disease, malaria, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis and helminthiases. We also discuss the potential use of EVs as diagnostic tools or treatment options for these infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the catalyst performances of USY and REY zeolites and MgO, ZnO, and MgxAlOy oxides are investigated in the pyrolysis of virgin high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and of post‐consumer polyolefin waste. The influence of operation parameters and catalyst deactivation resistance over four reaction cycles are evaluated. The results indicate that basic oxides do not show relevant cracking activity, so that the only identified effect for these catalysts is the production of liquid products with higher contents of paraffins when compared to thermal pyrolysis. Among the evaluated oxides, MgxAlOy is the most active and resistant to deactivation. The zeolites promote cracking and secondary reactions of isomerization, cyclization, and aromatization. Particularly, USY promotes the production of higher‐quality oils and shows higher deactivation resistance, when compared to REY. Additionally, a significant loss of catalyst activity is identified in reactions conducted with post‐consumer polyolefin wastes. However, increase in rates of coke formation and the presence of contaminants (such as halogens and metals) are not detected in the catalysts after the reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to conduct an umbrella review to summarize the existing evidence regarding the prevalence of peri‐ictal psychiatric manifestations (PM) in people with epilepsy (PWE) including pre‐ictal, ictal, and postictal stages. Method s : Databases were searched up to June 2023 for systematic reviews (SR) of observational studies that included patients with epilepsy peri‐ictal PM. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (with the AMSTAR‐2 instrument) were performed by two independent reviewers. We performed a narrative synthesis using previous guidelines. We used a self‐developed decision table according to the GRADE system adapted for narrative outcomes if the certainty of outcomes was not determined by systematic review authors. Results: Four SRs were included comprising 66 primary studies (n = 10 217). Three SRs evaluated one period (pre‐ictal, ictal, and postictal), and one did not determine it. During the pre‐ictal period, the more prevalent symptom was confusion, although with a low certainty (due to the heterogeneity and serious risk of bias). One systematic review that only included case reports evaluated the ictal period, finding mood/anxiety disorders, psychosis, and personality changes. The postictal period included the most PM (anxiety: 45.0% and depressive symptoms: 43.0%), with very low certainty, due to risk of bias, potential publication bias, heterogeneity, and failure to report the confidence intervals. Significance: With very low certainty, epileptic periods are characterized by a wide spectrum of PM, being postictal symptoms the most prevalent, predominantly anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Further understanding of these PM of epilepsy could improve the attention of the people with epilepsy. Plain Language Summary: In this review of reviews, we summarize the frequency in which psychiatric manifestations occur in relation to an epileptic seizure. A total of 10 217 patients were reported in the reviews. The most common manifestations included symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as changes in the normal behavior of the patient. These manifestations occurred most frequently right after the seizure finished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multimodal analgesia strategy for acute pain involves using 2 or more analgesic medications with distinct mechanisms of action. This study assessed the bioavailability and tolerability of 2 tramadol hydrochloride (50 mg)/diclofenac sodium (50 mg) fixed‐dose combination formulations under fed conditions to attend the Brazilian regulatory requirements for generic product registration. An open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐period, 2‐way crossover trial was conducted, including healthy subjects of both sexes. Subjects received a single dose of either the test or reference formulation of tramadol/diclofenac fixed‐dose combination tablets with a 7‐day washout period. Blood samples were collected up to 36 hours after dosing for tramadol and 12 hours for diclofenac and quantified using a validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. Of 56 subjects enrolled, 53 completed the study. The 90% confidence intervals for maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration were within acceptable bioequivalence limits of 80%‐125%. Considering the results presented in this study, the test formulation is bioequivalent to the reference formulation and could be interchangeable in medical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the influence of diverse variables on the outcome of nonsurgical root canal treatment/retreatment. In general, 304 teeth from 218 patients were treated/retreated and the outcome evaluated by the periapical index (PAI). Teeth with apical periodontitis lesions that have not completely healed were classified as success or failure based on lenient and rigid criteria, respectively. Findings were evaluated using a logistic regression analysis. The overall success rates were 74% and 82% using the PAI‐rigid and lenient success criteria, respectively. Specifically for treatment, the success rates were 73% (rigid) and 82% (lenient), while for retreatment they were 78% (rigid) and 83% (lenient). The treatment outcome was negatively affected by overextension, presence of preoperative lesion, lesion size >10 mm, and higher number of treatment visits (with no intracanal medication). Regarding retreatment, the chance of success was greater for teeth with adequate coronal restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The animal gut microbiota is strongly influenced by environmental factors that shape their temporal dynamics. Although diet is recognized as a major driver of gut microbiota variation, dietary patterns have seldom been linked to gut microbiota dynamics in wild animals. Here, we analysed the gut microbiota variation between dry and rainy seasons across four Sceloporus species (S. aeneus, S. bicanthalis, S. grammicus and S. spinosus) from central Mexico in light of temporal changes in diet composition. The lizard microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes (now Bacillota) and Bacteroidota, and the closely related species S. aeneus and S. bicanthalis shared a great number of core bacterial taxa. We report species‐specific seasonal changes in gut microbiota diversity and composition: greater alpha diversity during the dry compared to the rainy season in S. bicanthalis, the opposite pattern in S. aeneus, and no seasonal differences in S. grammicus and S. spinosus. Our findings indicated a positive association between gut bacterial composition and dietary composition for S. bicanthalis and S. grammicus, but bacterial diversity did not increase linearly with dietary richness in any lizard species. In addition, seasonality affected bacterial composition, and microbial community similarity increased between S. aeneus and S. bicanthalis, as well as between S. grammicus and S. spinosus. Together, our results illustrate that seasonal variation and dietary composition play a role in shaping gut microbiota in lizard populations, but this is not a rule and other ecological factors influence microbiota variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming has triggered shifts in plant distributions, resulting in changes within communities, characterized by an increase in warm‐demanding species and a decrease in cold‐adapted species – referred to as thermophilization. Researchers conventionally rely on co‐occurrence data from vegetation assemblages to examine these community dynamics. Despite the increasing availability of presence‐only data in recent decades, their potential has largely remained unexplored due to concerns about their reliability. Our study aimed to determine whether climate‐induced changes in community dynamics, as inferred from presence‐only data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), corresponded with those derived from co‐occurrence plot data. To assess the differences between these datasets, we computed a community temperature index (CTI) using a transfer function, weighted‐averaging partial least squares regression (WA‐PLS). We calibrated the transfect function model based on the species–temperature relationship using data before recent climate warming. Then we assessed the differences in CTI and examined the temporal trend in thermophilization. In a preliminary analysis, we assessed the performance of this calibration using three datasets: 1) Norwegian co‐occurrence data, 2) presence‐only data from a broader European region organized into pseudo‐plots (potentially capturing a larger part of the species niches), and 3) a combined dataset merging 1) and 2). The transfer function including the combined dataset performed best. Subsequently, we compared the CTI for the co‐occurrence plots paired up spatially and temporally with presence‐only pseudo‐plots. The results demonstrated that presence‐only data can effectively evaluate species assemblage responses to climate warming, with consistent CTI and thermophilization values to what was found for the co‐occurrence data. Employing presence‐only data for evaluating community responses opens up better spatial and temporal resolution and much more detailed analyses of such responses. Our results therefore outline how a large amount of presence‐only data can be used to enhance our understanding of community dynamics in a warmer world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Media supplemented with sera from acutely exercised men has been shown to have 'anti‐cancer' effects on prostate and breast cancer cell lines. This study investigated whether media supplemented with plasma samples taken at rest (≥30 h since the most recent exercise session) from men who were endurance‐trained (END), strength‐trained (STR) or recreationally active controls (CON) impacted the results of four assays that mimic hallmarks of cancer (proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix invasion and anoikis resistance) in the BT‐549 breast cancer cell line. Compared to control conditions of either serum‐free media or fetal bovine serum as appropriate, BT‐549 cells cultured with plasma‐supplemented media regardless of group resulted in greater cell proliferation (∼20–50%) and cell migration (∼15–20%), and lower extracellular matrix invasion (∼10–20%) and anoikis resistance (∼15–20%). Supplementing media with plasma from END or STR did not impact any outcomes of these assays compared to plasma from CON. Media supplemented with human plasma can impact functional assays reflective of cancer hallmarks in BT‐549 cells, but effects of exercise on proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix invasion and anoikis resistance were not evident in resting blood samples of individuals with a prior history of exercise training. What is the central question of this study?Little is known regarding the effects of media supplemented with resting plasma from exercise‐trained individuals, despite the established bioactive effects of acutely exercised samples. Does media supplemented with resting plasma from endurance‐trained, strength‐trained or recreationally active controls impact hallmarks of cancer in BT‐549 cells?What is the main finding and its importance?Supplementing media with plasma from these trained athletes did not impact proliferation, migration, invasion or anoikis resistance compared to plasma from recreationally‐active controls. These findings suggest that 'anti‐cancer' effects of exercise are not present in resting blood samples of exercise‐trained individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]