Search

Abstract Objective Atrial cardiomyopathy is closely associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), and some patients exhibit no dysfunction at rest but demonstrate evident changes in left atrial (LA) function and LA volume during exercise. This study aimed to identify distinguishing signs during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) among patients in sinus rhythm (SR), with and without history of paroxysmal/persistent AF (PAF). Methods A prospective cohort of 1055 patients in SR was enrolled across 12 centers. The main study cohort was divided into two groups: the modeling group (n = 513) and the verification group (n = 542). All patients underwent ESE, which included B-lines, LA volume index (LAVi), and LA strain of the reservoir phase (LASr). Results Age, resting and stress LAVi and LASr, and B-lines were identified as a combination of detectors for PAF in both groups. In the entire cohort, aside from resting and stress LAVi and LASr, additional parameters differentiating PAF and non-PAF patients were the presence of systemic hypertension, exercise E/e’ > 7, worse right ventricle (RV) contraction during exercise (∆ tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 4 as the best sensitivity (79%) and specificity (65%). Conclusion ESE can complement rest echocardiography in the identification of previous PAF in patients with SR through the evaluation of LA functional reservoir and volume reserve, LV chronotropic, diastolic, and systolic reserve, and RV contractile reserve. Graphical Abstract A scoring system predicting the probability of PAF. The score was computed using the cutoff values as in the illustration. The score >4 demonstrated a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 65% of PAF.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to describe the pre‐ and post‐operative developmental and intellectual functions in a cohort of patients who underwent surgery for drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) before the age of 5 years. Method We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and neurodevelopmental assessments of a cohort of 80 surgically treated pediatric patients with DRE. We included patients if they had at least one pre‐ and one post‐surgical neuropsychological assessments; 27 met the inclusion criteria. We evaluated Developmental Quotient (DQ) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) before and after surgery. We identified two groups based on psychological evaluation outcome: Group 1, with stable or improved developmental and intellectual functions, and Group 2, experiencing developmental and intellectual loss. Results The mean age at seizure onset was 1.2 ± 1.0 years, and the mean age at surgery was 2.9 ± 1.2 years. At the last follow‐up (mean 4 years, SD ± 2), 19/27 (70%) patients were seizure‐ and drug‐free; 18/27 patients (67%) fit in Group 1, and 9/27 (33%) fit in Group 2. The mean age at surgery was 2.6 years (SD ± 1.1; range 1.2–5.1) in Group 1 and 3.4 years in Group 2 (SD ± 1.1; range 1.6–5.0). Group 1 had a lower pre‐operative DQ/IQ total score than Group 2 (median DQ/IQ respectively 82 vs 108, p = 0.05). Between pre‐ and post‐assessments, we found that in Group 1, Performance scores improved (82.7 vs 102, p = 0.001), while in Group 2, the Total and Verbal scores worsened (respectively 108 vs 75, p = 0.008, and 100 vs 76, p = 0.021). Significance Our study's results emphasize the positive impact of surgery before the age of 5 years on developmental and intellectual outcomes. Despite limitations such as a small sample size, lack of a control group, and diverse etiologies, our findings support the crucial role of early intervention in preserving or enhancing developmental and intellectual functions in young patients with DRE. Plain Language Summary This retrospective study, conducted at the Bambino Gesù Children Hospital in Italy, reports neuropsychological and developmental and/or cognitive data for children undergoing early epilepsy surgery (before the age of 5). It found that children with lower developmental or cognitive profiles gained the highest scores on post‐operative neuropsychological evaluations. This study provides information on the potential benefits of early surgery in shortening the duration of epilepsy, preventing or arresting deterioration, and enhancing plasticity and recovery.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the rights that children should have, as breastfeeding for the first six months is the best way to fulfill a child's nutritional needs to continue the growth of their brain, liver, and immune system. Exclusive breastfeeding can also reduce infectious mortality by 88 percent in infants less than 3 months old. Currently, the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding is 69.7% and has met the 2021 target of 45%. One of the causes is influenced by the learning process. Interesting and fun learning media can affect learning outcomes. Therefore, it is important for midwives to grow the interest and attractiveness of pregnant women in the learning process with the help of appropriate learning media and involve pregnant women in lactation education classes through Monopoly games. Objectives: This study aims to develop Monopoly game media in lactation education classes and describe the feasibility of Monopoly game media as learning media in lactation education classes for pregnant women. Methods: This study uses research and development methods, namely expert sampling. The data collection instrument was a Likert scale questionnaire and descriptive statistical analysis techniques. The design of research activities only reached the feasibility test of monopoly learning media. Results: The learning media developed regarding the feasibility of learning aspects by material experts and users obtained an average score of 4.32, entered the good category. Meanwhile, according to media experts, an average score of 4.9 was obtained based on media engineering aspects, and based on visual communication aspects, an average score of 4.62 was obtained. Conclusions: This study shows that the development media for lactation education classes in the form of monopoly is in a good category and suitable for use

Photoinduced chemical reactions and the development of new materials represent a current and significant topic. We present a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to the Knoevenagel condensation reaction involving carbonyl and active methylene compounds. Our method utilizes photo-activated carbon dots (CDs) derived from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5HMF) within an aqueous medium and does not require acidic, basic, or thermal conditions. This protocol operates effectively with aromatic, aliphatic, and heteroaromatic aldehydes and ketones. The 5HMF-derived-CDs can be reused four times without significant loss of activity. Moreover, this methodology is suitable for scaling up reactions, thereby highlighting its potential for industrial applications.

Background: The Pregnant Mother Game application is designed to enhance midwifery services, particularly for online antenatal classes. It is developed by experts in learning media and presented in a game format. The objectives of this research are to develop apps for antenatal classes and to assess how well these applications increase mothers' knowledge. Methods: It is a level 3 Research and Development, which is developing and refining products. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Limited trials of the application, which is downloadable on Android devices, were carried out with 10 first-time pregnant women in Cirebon City, Indonesia. Data collection tools included a questionnaire for experts and mothers. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 16, with univariate analysis employing a frequency distribution and bivariate analysis utilizing the Wilcoxon test. The significance level was set at 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The material experts’ qualifying test yielded a score of 85% (very decent), and the media members' score was 84.4% (very decent). There was a 50% increase in the mean knowledge value. The pretest score ranged between 10 and 25, while the posttest score ranged between 25 and 29. The use of the application was correlated with increased knowledge score, and the correlation coefficient was significant at 0.05. Conclusion: The program can be used as an effective technology medium for conducting online classes for mothers. The mothers’ knowledge significantly improved after taking online classes with the application.

This study intends to explore the leverage of technology devices and their impact on the digital natives’ experiences in enhancing EFL learning using Mobile-Assested Language Learning (MALL). Pointedly, (1) how digital natives’ attitudes toward technology influence their use of smartphones for EFL learning, and (2) the effectiveness of MALL activities in boosting English skills. Then, this research uses a narrative inquiry research design with in-depth interviews of six English teachers in various grades. By using thematic analysis revealed that digital natives enjoy the interactive nature of MALL activities and concern arose regarding their potential dependence on personal devices. The findings have been obtained to answer the questions that have been desired. (1) digital natives look to enjoy with MALL procedures; it narrates with digital natives’ interest and, (2) Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) offers digital natives particularly to access web-based learning and online learning courses. These provide audio-visual presentations that are helpful for digital natives to supercharge their English competencies with various activities. These findings ensure that Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is a valuable potential tool in EFL classrooms, but careful attention to consideration for fostering responsible technology use in addressing potential distractions.

Over the past decades, health care systems have significantly evolved due to aging populations, chronic diseases, and higher-quality care expectations. Concurrently with the added health care needs, information and communications technology advancements have transformed health care delivery. Technologies such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile health apps promise enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes, leading to more personalized, data-driven care. However, organizational, political, and cultural barriers and the fragmented approach to health information management are challenging the integration of these technologies to effectively support health care delivery. This fragmentation collides with the need for integrated care pathways that focus on holistic health and wellness. Catalonia (northeast Spain), a region of 8 million people with universal health care coverage and a single public health insurer but highly heterogeneous health care service providers, has experienced outstanding digitalization and integration of health information over the past 25 years, when the first transition from paper to digital support occurred. This Viewpoint describes the implementation of health ITs at a system level, discusses the hits and misses encountered in this journey, and frames this regional implementation within the global context. We present the architectures and use trends of the health information platforms over time. This provides insightful information that can be used by other systems worldwide in the never-ending transformation of health care structure and services.

This paper aims to offer practical suggestions for planning and management of lessons of L2/LS Italian aimed at non-native learners. After a first part in which attention is paid to the choice of significant materials, the paper focuses on the importance of songs in teaching Italian to foreigners. The song, thanks to its expressive and communicative power, makes the process of acquiring a language more evocative and emphasizes the role of the teacher through the teaching of authentic texts. Finally, an UdA is presented, which focuses on some songs from the “Sanremo Festival”, designed to take into account the concrete communicative needs of non-native-speaker learners.

Abstract Epilepsy surgery is effective for patients with medication-resistant seizures, however 20–40% of them are not seizure free after surgery. Aim of this study is to evaluate the role of linear and non-linear EEG features to predict post-surgical outcome. We included 123 paediatric patients who underwent epilepsy surgery at Bambino Gesù Children Hospital (January 2009–April 2020). All patients had long term video-EEG monitoring. We analysed 1-min scalp interictal EEG (wakefulness and sleep) and extracted 13 linear and non-linear EEG features (power spectral density (PSD), Hjorth, approximate entropy, permutation entropy, Lyapunov and Hurst value). We used a logistic regression (LR) as feature selection process. To quantify the correlation between EEG features and surgical outcome we used an artificial neural network (ANN) model with 18 architectures. LR revealed a significant correlation between PSD of alpha band (sleep), Mobility index (sleep) and the Hurst value (sleep and awake) with outcome. The fifty-four ANN models gave a range of accuracy (46–65%) in predicting outcome. Within the fifty-four ANN models, we found a higher accuracy (64.8% ± 7.6%) in seizure outcome prediction, using features selected by LR. The combination of PSD of alpha band, mobility and the Hurst value positively correlate with good surgical outcome.

Penelitian ini didasarkan pada hasil pengamatan terhadap kondisi pembelajaran yang memperlihatkan adanya kesulitan yang dialami anak untuk membedakan bentuk-bentuk huruf A-Z. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan kemampuan membaca anak menggunakan metode drill. Metode drill dilakukan secara berulang dan sesuai digunakan untuk anak. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pengumpulan data diambil melalui observasi, wawancara dan diperkuat dengan dokumentasi yang dilakukan kepada pendidik dan 15 anak kelompok usia 5-6 tahun. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan reduksi data, penyajian data dan verifikasi data. Hasil penelitian berupa peningkatan kemampuan membaca anak yang ditunjukkan dengan tingginya tiga diantara sepuluh indikator penelitian yang dikembangkan yakni pertama anak dapat menyebutkan dan membedakan bentuk lambang huruf A-Z, kedua anak dapat mengucapkan huruf vokal a i u e o tanpa pengulangan, dan ketiga minat membaca anak semakin meningkat. Penelitian ini dapat direkomendasikan sebagai alternatif upaya untuk membantu proses pengembangan kemampuan anak menggunakan metode drill khususnya membaca ataupun kemampuan lainnya.

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the coronaviridae family and infects human cells by directly interacting with the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) through the viral Spike Protein (SP). While vaccines are crucial, much attention has been directed towards managing the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Our present study highlights the potential in counteracting lung inflammation triggered by SARS-CoV-2 SP of the intranasal administration of the engineered probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei F19 expressing the enzyme NAPE-PLD (pNAPE-LP) able to in situ release palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) under a super-low boost of palmitate. Methods C57BL/6J mice undergo prophylactic treatment with intranasal pNAPE-LP/palmitate for 7 days before a 7 days challenge with intranasal SARS-CoV-2 SP. Then the capability of pNAPE-LP of colonizing the lungs and actively release PEA in situ have been determined by immunofluorescence, western blot and HPLC-MS. Moreover, the innate immune system downregulation and the histological damage rescue exerted by pNAPE-LP have been tested by immunofluorescence, hematoxylin and eosin staining, western blot analysis and ELISA test for the release of the pro-inflammatory mediators. Results pNAPE-LP effectively colonizes mice lungs and releases the anti-inflammatory compound PEA. Moreover, pNAPE-LP exhibits a protective effect on alveolar morphology, innate immune cells infiltration and in the reduction of neutrophil count, effectively reducing lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2 SP. This is achieved by mitigating TLR4-mediated NLRP3 activation and the downstream pro-inflammatory products such as ILs, TNFα, C-reactive protein and the myeloperoxidase activity. Interestingly we observed a global reduction ACE2 expression in the lungs. Conclusion pNAPE-LP actively protect from severe inflammatory-related symptoms in SP-challenged mice. Also, it can downregulate the expression of ACE-2 receptors at the lung site potentially preventing the spreading of the infection.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D1SC05435J.].

Biosynthesis of macromolecules requires precursors such as sugars or amino acids, originating from exogenous/dietary sources, reutilization/salvage of degraded molecules, or de novo synthesis. Since these sources are assumed to contribute to one homogenous pool, their individual contributions are often overlooked. Protein glycosylation uses monosaccharides from all the above sources to produce nucleotide sugars required to assemble hundreds of distinct glycans. Here, we demonstrate that cells identify the origin/heritage of the monosaccharide, fucose, for glycosylation. We measured the contribution of GDP-fucose from each of these sources for glycan synthesis and found that different fucosyltransferases, individual glycoproteins, and linkage-specific fucose residues identify and select different GDP-fucose pools dependent on their heritage. This supports the hypothesis that GDP-fucose exists in multiple, distinct pools, not as a single homogenous pool. The selection is tightly regulated since the overall pool size remains constant. We present novel perspectives on monosaccharide metabolism, which may have a general applicability.

The paper analyzes the variation of the stock price as an effect of the publication of the financial statements by the companies listed on the stock exchange. Starting from the general methodology of an event study analysis, the empirical research is supported by a parameter generalization module and one for the optimization of internal variables. The main conclusion based on a sample of events, being the significant impact of Annual financial statements on share prices.

Indonesia's economy has developed rapidly, but it has not solved undernourishment issues among low-income people. Therefore, similar to other developing countries, Indonesia has instituted a food price subsidy program known as Rice for the Poor (RASKIN) to help low-income families meet their needs and alleviate some of their financial burdens. This study examined how RASKIN affected the intake of calories and three macronutrients of Indonesian households using the representative National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS) data. In comparison to intake without the subsidy, the estimation results based on the endogenous switching regression model suggested that receiving the subsidy raised the household calorie intake by 368.4 Kcal/day for recipients and 454.6 Kcal/day for nonrecipients. Likewise, households receiving the subsidy raised their macronutrient intake, encompassing protein, carbohydrate, and fat, compared to those not receiving it. Therefore, RASKIN contributed to raising the intake of calories and three macronutrients. However, a certain portion of non-poor households were found to receive RASKIN owing to mistargeting, suggesting that the government should rectify targeting errors to enhance the effectiveness of the subsidy and attain the key purpose of improving the well-being of people with low incomes.

Bisected N-glycans represent a unique class of protein N-glycans that play critical roles in many biological processes. Herein, we describe the systematic synthesis of these structures. A bisected N-glycan hexasaccharide was chemically assembled with two orthogonal protecting groups attached at the C2 of the branching mannose residues, followed by sequential installation of GlcNAc and LacNAc building blocks to afford two asymmetric bisecting "cores". Subsequent enzymatic modular extension of the "cores" yielded a comprehensive library of biantennary N-glycans containing the bisecting GlcNAc and presenting 6 common glycan determinants in a combinatorial fashion. These bisected N-glycans and their non-bisected counterparts were used to construct a distinctive glycan microarray to study their recognition by a wide variety of glycan-binding proteins (GBPs), including plant lectins, animal lectins, and influenza A virus hemagglutinins. Significantly, the bisecting GlcNAc could bestow (PHA-L, rDCIR2), enhance (PHA-E), or abolish (ConA, GNL, anti-CD15s antibody, etc.) N-glycan recognition of specific GBPs, and is tolerated by many others. In summary, synthesized compounds and the unique glycan microarray provide ideal standards and tools for glycoanalysis and functional glycomic studies. The microarray data provide new information regarding the fine details of N-glycan recognition by GBPs, and in turn improve their applications.

Dispersal is a key driver of spatial population dynamics. Dispersal behaviour may be shaped by many factors, such as mate-finding, the spatial distribution of resources, or wind and currents, yet most models of spatial dynamics assume random dispersal. We examined the spatial dynamics of a day-flying moth species (Arctia virginalis) that forms mating aggregations on hilltops (hilltopping) based on long-term adult and larval population censuses. Using time-series models, we compared spatial population dynamics resulting from empirically founded hilltop-based connectivity indices and modelled the interactive effects of temperature, precipitation and density dependence. Model comparisons supported hilltop-based connectivity metrics including hilltop elevation over random connectivity, suggesting an effect of hilltopping behaviour on dynamics. We also found strong interactive effects of temperature and precipitation on dynamics. Simulations based on fitted time-series models showed lower patch occupancy and regional synchrony, and higher colonization and extinction rates when hilltopping was included, with potential implications for the probability of persistence of the patch network. Overall, our results show the potential for dispersal behaviour to have important effects on spatial population dynamics and persistence, and we advocate the inclusion of such non-random dispersal in metapopulation models.

Abstract Every animal secretes mucus, placing them among the most diverse biological materials. Mucus hydrogels are complex mixtures of water, ions, carbohydrates, and proteins. Uncertainty surrounding their composition and how interactions between components contribute to mucus function complicates efforts to exploit their properties. There is substantial interest in commercializing mucus from the garden snail, Cornu aspersum, for skincare, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and composite materials. C. aspersum secretes three mucus—one shielding the animal from environmental threats, one adhesive mucus from the pedal surface of the foot, and another pedal mucus that is lubricating. It remains a mystery how compositional differences account for their substantially different properties. Here, we characterize mucus proteins, glycosylation, ion content, and mechanical properties that could be used to provide insight into structure-function relationships through an integrative “mucomics” approach. We identify macromolecular components of these hydrogels, including a previously unreported protein class termed Conserved Anterior Mollusk Proteins (CAMPs). Revealing differences between C. aspersum mucus shows how considering structure at all levels can inform the design of mucus-inspired materials.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: يساهم الانتشار المرتفع لتدخين التبغ في ارتفاع معدل الإصابة بالسكتة الدماغية الحادة في إندونيسيا. من المعروف أن تصلب الشرايين الكبير هو سبب مهم للسكتة الدماغية الحادة. هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى تقييم العلاقة بين السكتة الدماغية الحادة وتصلب الشرايين بناءً على قياسات سماكة الطبقة الداخلية للشريان السباتي في مستشفى المستشفيات التخصصية الإندونيسية. طريقة البحث: إجمالا، تم تضمين 79 مريضا يعانون من السكتة الدماغية الحادة (مجموعة دراسة الحالة) و 79 فردا بدون سكتة إقفارية حادة (مجموعة التحكم). تم استخدام اختبار كاي تربيع ونسب الأرجحية لمقارنة المجموعات وتحديد ارتباطها. أخذنا في الاعتبار أيضا عوامل مثل العمر، ومؤشر كتلة الجسم، والجنس، وداء السكري من النوع 2، وارتفاع ضغط الدم، وعادات التدخين، وعسر شحميات الدم، والحالة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية، والمستوى التعليمي في التحليلات الإحصائية. النتائج: أظهر التقسيم الطبقي لتصلب الشرايين في دراسة الحالة ومجموعات الضبط فيما يتعلق بجميع متغيرات الدراسة علاقة معنوية بين تصلب الشرايين وجميع المتغيرات باستثناء الحالة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية المنخفضة والمستوى التعليمي المنخفض. أظهر تحليل الانحدار أن مؤشر كتلة الجسم 25 كجم / م 2 كان مرتبطا بخطر الإصابة بتصلب الشرايين بمقدار 2.139 ضعفا من مؤشر كتلة الجسم الطبيعي الاستنتاجات: ارتبطت السكتة الدماغية الحادة بتصلب الشرايين على أساس قياسات سماكة الطبقة الداخلية للشريان السباتي مع مراعاة العمر، ومؤشر كتلة الجسم، والجنس، وارتفاع ضغط الدم من النوع 2، وعادات التدخين، وخلل شحميات الدم، والحالة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية، ومستوى التعليم لدى السكان الإندونيسيين Abstract: Objectives: A high prevalence of tobacco smoking contributes to a high incidence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in Indonesia. Large-artery atherosclerosis is known to be a significant cause of AIS. The present study was aimed at evaluating the association between AIS and atherosclerosis on the basis of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements in a tertiary care hospital in Indonesia. Methods: A total of 79 patients with AIS (case study group) and 79 individuals without AIS (control group) were included. Chi-squared tests and odds ratios were used to compare the groups and determine associations. We also considered factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), sex, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, smoking status, dyslipidemia, socioeconomic status, and educational level in the statistical analyses. A p-value 0.05) between atherosclerosis and all variables except low socioeconomic status (p = 0.265) and low educational level (p = 0.180). Regression analysis demonstrated that a BMI ≥25 kg/m2, compared with a normal BMI, was associated with a 2.139-fold higher risk of atherosclerosis. Conclusions: AIS was associated with atherosclerosis, on the basis of CIMT measurements, according to age, BMI, sex, T2DM, hypertension, smoking status, dyslipidemia, socioeconomic status, and education level in the Indonesian population.

Abstract The glycosylation on the spike (S) protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, modulates the viral infection by altering conformational dynamics, receptor interaction and host immune responses. Several variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 have evolved during the pandemic, and crucial mutations on the S protein of the virus have led to increased transmissibility and immune escape. In this study, we compare the site-specific glycosylation and overall glycomic profiles of the wild type Wuhan-Hu-1 strain (WT) S protein and five VOCs of SARS-CoV-2: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. Interestingly, both N- and O-glycosylation sites on the S protein are highly conserved among the spike mutant variants, particularly at the sites on the receptor-binding domain (RBD). The conservation of glycosylation sites is noteworthy, as over 2 million SARS-CoV-2 S protein sequences have been reported with various amino acid mutations. Our detailed profiling of the glycosylation at each of the individual sites of the S protein across the variants revealed intriguing possible association of glycosylation pattern on the variants and their previously reported infectivity. While the sites are conserved, we observed changes in the N- and O-glycosylation profile across the variants. The newly emerged variants, which showed higher resistance to neutralizing antibodies and vaccines, displayed a decrease in the overall abundance of complex-type glycans with both fucosylation and sialylation and an increase in the oligomannose-type glycans across the sites. Among the variants, the glycosylation sites with significant changes in glycan profile were observed at both the N-terminal domain and RBD of S protein, with Omicron showing the highest deviation. The increase in oligomannose-type happens sequentially from Alpha through Delta. Interestingly, Omicron does not contain more oligomannose-type glycans compared to Delta but does contain more compared to the WT and other VOCs. O-glycosylation at the RBD showed lower occupancy in the VOCs in comparison to the WT. Our study on the sites and pattern of glycosylation on the SARS-CoV-2 S proteins across the VOCs may help to understand how the virus evolved to trick the host immune system. Our study also highlights how the SARS-CoV-2 virus has conserved both N- and O- glycosylation sites on the S protein of the most successful variants even after undergoing extensive mutations, suggesting a correlation between infectivity/ transmissibility and glycosylation.

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) (Meloidogyne spp.) represent one of the most damaging groups of plant-parasitic nematodes. They secrete effector proteins through a protrusible stylet to manipulate host cells for their benefit. Stylet-secreted effector proteins are produced within specialized secretory esophageal gland cells, one dorsal gland (DG) and two subventral glands (SvG), whose activity differ throughout the nematode life cycle. Previous gland transcriptomic profiling studies identified dozens of candidate RKN effectors but were focused on the juvenile stages of the nematode, when the SvGs are most active. We developed a new approach to enrich for the active DGs of M. incognita adult female RKN for RNA and protein extraction. Female heads were manually cut from the body, and a combination of sonication and vortexing was used to dislodge contents inside the heads. DG-enriched fractions were collected by filtering, using cell strainers. Comparative transcriptome profiling of pre-parasitic second-stage juveniles, female heads, and DG-enriched samples was conducted using RNA sequencing. Application of an established effector mining pipeline led to the identification of 83 candidate effector genes upregulated in DG-enriched samples of adult females that code for proteins with a predicted signal peptide but lack transmembrane domains or homology to proteins in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In situ hybridization resulted in the identification of 14 new DG-specific candidate effectors expressed in adult females. Taken together, we have identified novel candidate Meloidogyne effector genes that may have essential roles during later stages of parasitism. [Graphic: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Abstract The amount of evidence for guideline‐directed new heart failure (HFrEF) disease‐modifying drugs in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is relatively modest, especially in end‐stage CKD. We report a case of dramatic reverse remodelling and disease regression in a naïve HFrEF young woman on haemodialysis treated with sacubitril/valsartan and SGLT2i. At 10‐month follow‐up, the patient normalized left ventricle and atrial volumes and improved ejection fraction to the normal range, assessed both by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance. Cardiac biomarkers and exercise performance improved consensually. The haemodialysis protocol and the loop diuretic dose were unchanged within the whole period.

Background Resting coronary flow velocity (CFV) in the mid‐distal left anterior descending coronary artery can be easily assessed with transthoracic echocardiography. In this observational study, the authors sought to assess the relationship between resting CFV, CFV reserve (CFVR), and outcome in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. Methods and Results In a prospective multicenter study design, the authors retrospectively analyzed 7576 patients (age, 66±11 years; 4312 men) with chronic coronary syndromes and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% referred for dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Recruitment (years 2003–2021) involved 7 accredited laboratories, with interobserver variability 2.0. Conclusions High resting CFV is associated with worse survival in patients with chronic coronary syndromes and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%. The value is independent and additive to CFVR. The combination of high resting CFV and low CFVR is associated with the worst survival.

Climate change can affect biotic interactions, and the impacts of climate on biotic interactions may vary across climate gradients. Climate affects biotic interactions through multiple drivers, although few studies have investigated multiple climate drivers in experiments. We examined the effects of experimental watering, warming, and predator access on leaf water content and herbivory rates of woolly bear caterpillars (Arctia virginalis) on a native perennial plant, pacific silverweed (Argentina anserina ssp. pacifica), at two sites across a gradient of precipitation in coastal California. Based on theory, we predicted that watering should increase herbivory at the drier end of the gradient, predation should decrease herbivory, and watering and warming should have positive interacting effects on herbivory. Consistent with our predictions, we found that watering only increased herbivory under drier conditions. However, watering increased leaf water content at both wetter and drier sites. Warming increased herbivory irrespective of local climate and did not interact with watering. Predation did not affect herbivory rates. Given predictions that the study locales will become warmer and drier with climate change, our results suggest that the effects of future warming and drying on herbivory may counteract each other in drier regions of the range of Argentina anserina. Our findings suggest a useful role for range-limit theory and the stress-gradient hypothesis in predicting climate change effects on herbivory across stress gradients. Specifically, if climate change decreases stress, herbivory may increase, and vice versa for increasing stress. In addition, our work supports previous suggestions that multiple climate drivers are likely to have dampening effects on biotic interactions due to effects in different directions, though this is context-dependent.

Tie rods play a crucial role in civil engineering, particularly in controlling lateral thrusts in arches and vaults, and enhancing the structural integrity of masonry buildings, both historic and contemporary. Accurately assessing the tensile axial forces in tie rods is challenging due to the limitations of existing methodologies. These methodologies often rely on indirect measurements, computational models, and optimization procedures, resulting in single-point solutions and neglecting both modeling and measurement uncertainties. This study introduces a novel Bayesian updating framework to effectively address these limitations. The framework aims to accurately identify the structural parameters influencing tie rod behavior and estimate uncertainties using natural frequencies as references. A key innovation lies in the mathematical formulation of Bayesian updating, which is founded upon the definition of computational models integrating uncertain updating parameters and latent random variables derived from a rigorous sensitivity analysis aimed at quantifying the impact of the updating parameters on the natural frequencies. Notably, the application of Bayesian updating to the structural identification problem of ancient tie rods represents a significant advancement. The framework provides a comprehensive description of the uncertainties associated with computational models, offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike. Moreover, the results of the sensitivity analysis serve as a valuable tool for setting up inverse problems geared towards accurately identifying tensile axial forces.

Natamycin is a tetraene polyene that exploits its antifungal properties by irreversibly binding components of fungal cell walls, blocking the growth of infections. However, topical ocular treatments with natamycin require frequent application due to the low ability of this molecule to permeate the ocular membrane. This limitation has limited the use of natamycin as an antimycotic drug, despite it being one of the most powerful known antimycotic agents. In this work, different lipidic nanoformulations consisting of transethosomes or lipid nanoparticles containing natamycin are proposed as carriers for optical topical administration. Size, stability and zeta potential were characterized via dynamic light scattering, the supramolecular structure was investigated via small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and 1H-NMR, and the encapsulation efficiencies of the four proposed formulations were determined via HPLC-DAD.

The high-velocity impact of powder particles in cold-spray additively manufactured (CSAM) parts creates intersplat boundaries with regions of high dislocation densities and sub-grain structures. Upon microstructure and mechanical characterization, CSAM Aluminum 6061 showed non-uniformity with spatial variation in the microstructure and mechanical properties, affecting the overall response of the additively manufactured parts. Post-processing treatments are conducted in as-printed samples to improve particle bonding, relieve residual stresses, and improve mechanical properties. In this work, we attempt to implement the effects of grain size and distribution of smaller grains along the intersplat boundaries using the grain size distribution function and powder size information to accurately predict the deformation response of cold-sprayed material using a mean-field viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) model. The incorporation of an intersplat boundary term in the VPSC model resulted in a stress–strain response closely matching the experimental findings, preventing the superficially high stresses observed due to Hall–Petch effects from ultra-fine-grain structures. Likewise, the results from the grain analysis showed the combined effects of grain size, orientation, and intersplat mechanisms that captured the stresses experienced and strain accommodated by individual grains.

Background and AimsPatients with heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) have a heterogeneous prognosis, and assessment of coronary physiology with coronary flow velocity (CFV) and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) may complement established predictors based on wall motion and EF.Methods and resultsIn a prospective multicenter study design, we enrolled 1,408 HF patients (age 66 ± 12 years, 1,035 men), with EF 31 cm/s) was obtained by pulsed-wave Doppler in mid-distal LAD. CFVR (abnormal value ≤2.0) was assessed with exercise (n = 99), dobutamine (n = 100), and vasodilator stress (dipyridamole in 1,149, adenosine in 60). Inducible myocardial ischemia was identified with wall motion score index (WMSI) stress > rest (cut-off Δ ≥ 0.12). LV contractile reserve (CR) was identified with WMSI stress 30%, CFV ≥ 32 cm/s, CFVR > 2.0, LVCR present, ischemia absent) to score 5 (all steps abnormal). All-cause death was the only endpoint. Results. During a median follow-up of 990 days, 253 patients died. Independent predictors of death were EF (HR: 0.956, 95% CI: 0.943–0.968, p

New graft copolymers were prepared by reaction of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with mono-imidazolide or bis-imidazolide derivatives of ferulic acid (FA) with the formation of ester bonds. The obtained graft copolymers, thanks to the crosslinking capability of FA, formed in water strong gels as verified by rheological analyses. The resulting hydrogels were characterized to evaluate their applicability as wound dressing. In this perspective, their capability to absorb and retain a large amount of fluid without dissolving was verified by swelling kinetics and Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate measurements. Their stability towards mechanical solicitations was assessed by quantifying elasticity, compliance, stress-relaxation, and adhesivity properties. The analyses pointed out that hydrogel PVA-FA2-3 obtained by feruloylation of PVA with bis-imidazole derivative of ferulic acid using an acylation agent/polymer molar ratio 0.03/1 resulted the best candidate for the foreseen application.

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengungkap perjuangan tokoh perempuan yang tertuang dalam novel Tutur Dedes Doa dan Kutukan karya Amalia Yunus menggunakan pendekatan feminisme dan dikaji melalui teori kritik sastra feminisme. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian bahwa novel tersebut memiliki fungsi sebagai sarana pencitraan perlawanan simbolis, diantaranya yaitu: 1) perlawanan simbolis melalui perjuangan tokoh perempuan dalam pendidikan; dan 2) perlawanan simbolis melalui perjuangan tokoh perempuan dengan masuknya perempuan ke arena publik.

Keberadaan sistem informasi bagi setiap perusahaan sangat penting dan menjadi salah satu bagian sumber daya yang dibutuhkan dalam menciptakan keunggulan bersaing. Oleh karena itu sistem informasi dapat dikembangkan sesuai dengan kebutuhan dan sejalan dengan upaya pencapaian tujuan perusahaan. Tujuan dari penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas sistem informasi Rely On PGN dalam mengelola kegiatan administrasi pelanggan pada PT. Perusahaan Gas Negara, Tbk Area Batam. Hal ini didasarkan pada premis tentang sebagian besar keberhasilan suatu perusahaan didorong untuk dapat meningkatkan efektivitas kinerjanya, biasanya didukung oleh kecanggihan sistem informasi yang dimiliki perusahaan dalam memberikan kemudahan serta mengoptimalkan kegiatan operasional perusahaan. Model kesuksesan DeLone & McLean diterapkan pada penelitian ini untuk mengukur efektivitas sistem informasi, yang terdiri dari enam indikator yaitu kualitas informasi, kualitas sistem, kualitas layanan, penggunaan, kepuasan pengguna, dan manfaat bersih. Pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif digunakan pada penelitian ini yang bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan suatu keadaan atau peristiwa dalam menjawab pertanyaan penting penelitian. Oleh karena itu pengumpulan data kulitatif dilakukan dengan cara wawancara, observasi, maupun studi kepustakaan atau dokumen sekunder yang relevan. Hasil analisis terhadap data kualitatif yang terkumpul menunjukkan beberapa hal penting yakni penerapan sistem informasi Rely On PGN terbukti efektif dalam mendukung kegiatan administrasi atau pengelolaan pelanggan berdasarkan enam indikator pada Model Kesuksesan Delone & McLean. Selanjutnya sistem Rely On PGN diyakini mampu memberikan dampak positif bagi individual maupun perusahaan. Indikator kualitas layanan pada model kesuksesan Delone & McLean pada Rely On PGN perlu ditingkatkan, terutama fokus pada pengembangan sistem yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan pengguna.

In our research, we looked at how the interdependence of stock markets has changed over time. For this, we looked at three stock markets in Europe: one in Western Europe that is welldeveloped, one in Central Europe that is medium-sized, and one in Eastern Europe that is less well-developed. In the analysis, stock indices from these markets were used. For the western market, we examined the indices KAK40 for the French stock market, DAX for the German stock market, and FTSE100 for the British stock market. The PX index in the Czech Republic and the BUX index on the Hungarian stock exchange were examined for the average market in Central Europe, and the BET index in Romania and the LJSEX index in Slovenia were examined for the less developed market. The linear and nonlinear Granger tests conducted on the closing rates of the corresponding stock exchanges were correlated without the use of the conditionality clause. The first three stock markets (Germany, France, and Great Britain) were found to be more interdependent than the Romanian and Slovenian markets, which displayed a weaker connection. The Granger tests were used to come to the conclusion that there are various statistically calculated levels of stock market returns that result from the interdependencies between the three types of financial markets examined.