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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]

Carrion ecology, i.e. the decomposition and recycling of dead animals, has traditionally been neglected as a key process in ecosystem functioning. Similarly, despite the large threats that inland aquatic ecosystems (hereafter, aquatic ecosystems) face, the scientific literature is still largely biased towards terrestrial ecosystems. However, there has been an increasing number of studies on carrion ecology in aquatic ecosystems in the last two decades, highlighting their key role in nutrient recirculation and disease control. Thus, a global assessment of the ecological role of scavengers and carrion in aquatic ecosystems is timely. Here, we systematically reviewed scientific articles on carrion ecology in aquatic ecosystems to describe current knowledge, identify research gaps, and promote future studies that will deepen our understanding in this field. We found 206 relevant studies, which were highly biased towards North America, especially in lotic ecosystems, covering short time periods, and overlooking seasonality, a crucial factor in scavenging dynamics. Despite the low number of studies on scavenger assemblages, we recorded 55 orders of invertebrates from 179 families, with Diptera and Coleoptera being the most frequent orders. For vertebrates, we recorded 114 species from 40 families, with birds and mammals being the most common. Our results emphasise the significance of scavengers in stabilising food webs and facilitating nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems. Studies were strongly biased towards the assessment of the ecosystem effects of carrion, particularly of salmon carcasses in North America. The second most common research topic was the foraging ecology of vertebrates, which was mostly evaluated through sporadic observations of carrion in the diet. Articles assessing scavenger assemblages were scarce, and only a limited number of these studies evaluated carrion consumption patterns, which serve as a proxy for the role of scavengers in the ecosystem. The ecological functions performed by carrion and scavengers in aquatic ecosystems were diverse. The main ecological functions were carrion as food source and the role of scavengers in nutrient cycling, which appeared in 52.4% (N = 108) and 46.1% (N = 95) of publications, respectively. Ecosystem threats associated with carrion ecology were also identified, the most common being water eutrophication and carrion as source of pathogens (2.4%; N = 5 each). Regarding the effects of carrion on ecosystems, we found studies spanning all ecosystem components (N = 85), from soil or the water column to terrestrial vertebrates, with a particular focus on aquatic invertebrates and fish. Most of these articles found positive effects of carrion on ecosystems (e.g. higher species richness, abundance or fitness; 84.7%; N = 72), while a minority found negative effects, changes in community composition, or even no effects. Enhancing our understanding of scavengers and carrion in aquatic ecosystems is crucial to assessing their current and future roles amidst global change, mainly for water–land nutrient transport, due to changes in the amount and speed of nutrient movement, and for disease control and impact mitigation, due to the predicted increase in occurrence and magnitude of mortality events in aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are insecticides used worldwide in phytosanitary and biocidal products and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Recently, some restrictions and bans have been imposed due to their adverse effects on nontarget invertebrates, including pollinators. Although they may have direct and indirect effects on wild vertebrates, few studies have assessed exposure to these compounds in wild birds, so our knowledge remains limited. In the present pilot study we have assessed the prevalence of seven neonicotinoid insecticides and some of their metabolites in whole blood samples from 19 European roller (Coracias garrulus) nestlings and five adult common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in an area treated with neonicotinoids to control the palm weevil (Rynchophorus ferrugineus) in southeastern Spain. One European roller nestling born in a palm tree was positive for thiamethoxam, with a concentration of 2.26 ng mL−1, but no residues of neonicotinoids or their metabolites were found in adult common kestrels. Future studies are needed to elucidate potential exposure to neonicotinoids at different times of the year. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of thiamethoxam residues in whole blood of a wild bird species after its ban in Spain. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1836–1843. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andean glaciers are losing mass rapidly but a centennial‐scale context to those rates is lacking. Here we show the extent of >5,500 glaciers during the Little Ice Age chronozone (LIA; c. 1,400 to c. 1,850) and compute an overall area change of −25% from then to year 2000 at an average rate of −36.5 km2 yr−1 or −0.11% yr−1. Glaciers in the Tropical Andes (Peru, Bolivia) have depleted the most; median −56% of LIA area, and the fastest; median −0.16% yr−1. Up to 10 × acceleration in glacier area loss has occurred in Tropical mountain sub‐regions comparing LIA to 2,000 rates to post‐2000 rates. Regional climate controls inter‐regional variability, whereas local factors affect intra‐region glacier response time. Analyzing glacier area change by river basins and by protected areas leads us to suggest that conservation and environmental management strategies should be re‐visited as proglacial areas expand. Plain Language Summary: Andean glaciers are melting fast but how that rate compares in a longer‐term context is unknown. In this study we mapped the extent of >5,500 glaciers during the Little Ice Age, which was the last major glacial advance culminating about c. 150 years ago. We analyzed the change in glacier size and computed overall area change of −25% from the LIA to year 2000 at a rate of −36.5 km2 per year or −0.11% per year. Glaciers within Peru and Bolivia have shrunk the most by median −56% of LIA area, and the fastest by median −0.16% per year. We discuss that these glaciers are depleting and retreating due to climate change but that response is compounded by glacier size, shape and terminus environment effects. As glaciers melt they reveal proglacial landscapes that tend to be highly unstable, impacting water resources, natural hazards and terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Key Points: Little Ice Age (LIA) chronozone extent of >5,500 glaciers mapped from geomorphological evidenceOverall glacier area change of −25% to year 2000 at a rate of −36.5 km2 yr−1 or −0.11% yr−1Up to 10 × acceleration in glacier area loss for Tropical sub‐regions comparing LIA to 2,000 with post‐2000 rates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, we study the behavior of characteristic roots of a class of strictly proper LTI SISO systems that are subject to a PD controller for which the derivative action has been implemented by means of a delay‐difference approximation scheme that uses multiple delays. To such an end, the improperly‐posed case is discussed in depth, that is, the situations where "small delays" induce instability in the closed‐loop system. The effect of adding more delays on the improperly‐posed case is analyzed and a methodology for determining the set of parameters that produces such a situation for a given number of delays is derived. Some illustrative examples complete the presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic phlebotomy (TP), a widely used medical procedure, can be performed on diverse patients with iron overload or polyglobulia. However, its adverse events are not well known as most of the information on phlebotomy is derived from healthy blood donors (0.1%–5.3%). In contrast, TP is applicable to a broader, more complex population with comorbidities and old age. To ascertain the incidence of adverse events in phlebotomies, we conducted a prospective study on patients who attended our Unit. Study Design and Methods: We prospectively gathered data from patients referred to our Unit for TP. Data regarding demographics, health status, and adverse events within at least 24 h of phlebotomy were gathered via a structured questionnaire during each visit. Results: Between August 2021 and September 2022, 189 patients underwent 587 procedures. Most patients were men, over 60 (57.3%) had comorbidities, and 93% underwent at least two procedures during the study period. Twenty patients (10.8%) presented 25 adverse events (4.3% of phlebotomies), usually vasovagal reactions, none of which were clinically relevant, and all were managed by nursing staff on site, with full patient recovery. Discussion: The rate of adverse events (<5%) in patients undergoing TP was low and comparable to that seen in healthy blood donors. Consequently, even old patients and those with some comorbidities can safely undergo TP when the process is carefully managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct sowing of acorns is a technique for oak forest restoration, however, high seed predation by mammals can occur and cost‐effective alternatives to protect acorns are therefore required. The present study evaluated the protection provided by chili peppers (Capsicum annuum and Capsicum pubescens) to acorns of Quercus germana, an endangered endemic oak tree of the cloud forests. Greenhouse and field experiments were established to evaluate the effect of chili peppers on acorn removal, germination, and seedling emergence. These processes were related to the prevalent microhabitat characteristics where the acorns were introduced, and the fauna that consumed chili peppers and acorns was identified using camera traps. In the greenhouse trial, more seedlings emerged from acorns covered by fruits of C. pubescens (65.71 ± 8.14) and C. annuum (57.14 ± 8.49%) compared to unprotected acorns (31.43 ± 7.96%). Contrary to expectation, acorn removal in the field was greater using C. pubescens than the unprotected acorns, particularly in microsites with lower tree cover and higher grass dominance. Acorn removal was similar among chili pepper treatments. These results are explained by the camera trap records, which showed bird species consuming Capsicum fruits, thus exposing the acorns to subsequent removal and/or consumption by rodents. The studied Capsicum fruits had no negative effect on acorn germination and seedling emergence under greenhouse conditions, and future practices could, therefore, involve the use of different techniques to prevent the discovery of chili peppers by birds; for example, using green chili peppers for camouflage, or hiding them under litter or herbaceous vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioethanol has been identified as a renewable product with high potential for application as biofuel. On the other hand, high volumes of agri‐food residues are generated daily. Such residues have potential as raw materials for industrial bioethanol production. There is a significant advance in the synthesis of biofuels from fruit and vegetable residues; however, most of the studies are focused on the conversion of a single type of raw material, limiting the application of the synthesis routes. This work presents a conversion methodology to produce bioethanol from carrot and broccoli residues and from their mixture; the samples of vegetable wastes has been collected in the municipality of Guanajuato, Mexico. Using the 1H NMR technique, the characteristic signals of bioethanol are identified. On the other hand, using the UV–VIS spectrophotometry technique, a maximum of 25.63 mg of total sugar content has been determined for the mixture. Likewise, a maximum bioethanol concentration of 60.6 g/L is obtained. From a refractometry and HPLC study, a conversion to bioethanol of 34.8% is determined for the mixture of residues. This work analyses the potential of broccoli and carrot residues for bioethanol production, either as isolated or as mixed wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several clinical trials have shown that nirsevimab, an antibody targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reduces RSV bronchiolitis requiring admission. In 2023–2024, Catalonia and Andorra adopted immunization strategies for children <6 months and those born during the epidemic season. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing hospitalizations from RSV bronchiolitis. Methods: In the epidemic season of 2023–2024, a test‐negative case–control study was conducted in three hospitals from Catalonia and Andorra. Patients <12 months old admitted with bronchiolitis and tested for RSV using molecular microbiology tests were included. The effectiveness in preventing RSV bronchiolitis hospitalization and severe disease was estimated using multivariate models. Comparisons between immunized, non‐immunized, and non‐eligible patients were made in prospectively collected epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological variables. Results: Two hundred thirty‐four patients were included. RSV was detected in 141/234 (60.2%), being less common in the immunized group (37% vs 75%, p <.001). The rate of immunized patients among those eligible was 59.7%. The estimated effectiveness for RSV‐associated lower respiratory tract infection was 81.0% (95% confidence interval: 60.9–90.7), and for preventing severe disease (the need for NIV/CMV), 85.6% (41.7–96.4%). No significant differences by immunization status were observed in patients with RSV concerning viral coinfections, the need for NIV/CMV or length of hospital stay. Conclusions: This study provides real‐world evidence of the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing RSV‐lower respiratory tract infection hospitalization and severe disease in infants during their first RSV season following a systematic immunization program. Immunized patients did not exhibit a higher rate of viral coinfections nor differences in clinical severity once admitted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Methods: Heart transplant recipients (HTr) have a higher probability of suffer from severe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) in comparison to general population, but their risk has changed over the course of the pandemic in relation to various factors. We conducted a prospective study including all HTr at risk of COVID‐19 in a tertiary center between February 2020 and October 2022. The aim was to analyze how the prognosis (incidence of pneumonia and mortality) of COVID‐19 in HTr has evolved over time, contextualizing variants, vaccination, and other treatments. Results: Of 308 HTr included, 124 got the infection (39.2%). COVID and non‐COVID HTr had similar baseline characteristics. COVID‐19 patients with pneumonia had a poorer prognosis than those with less severe presentations, with a higher rate of hospitalization (93.3 vs. 14.1%, p <.001) and death (41.0 vs. 1.2%, p <.001). Multivariate analysis identified age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–11.49, p =.027), and chronic kidney disease ≥3a (OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.39–17.54, p =.014) as predictors of pneumonia. Two‐dose vaccination (OR 0.20, CI 95% 0.05–0.72, p =.02) and early remdesivir administration (OR 0.17, CI 0.03–0.90, p =.037) were protective factors. Over the course of the pandemic considering three periods in the follow‐up (prevaccination February–December 2020, postvaccination January–December 2021, and post early remdesivir indication January–October 2022), we observed a reduction in pneumonia incidence from 62% to 19% (p <.001); and mortality (from 23% to 4%, p <.001). Conclusions: The prognosis of COVID‐19 in HTr has improved over time, likely due to vaccination and early administration of remdesivir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new archaeological research project analyses the history of Isla del Fraile (Águilas, Spain), a small island off the coast occupied since at least Roman times. Its isolation means that the sea has always conditioned its connectivity and relationship with land. Despite some underwater studies carried out in previous decades, its underwater surroundings, El Hornillo Bay, continue to be relatively unexplored. In parallel to the excavation work on the island's surface, an underwater survey was carried out in the area, which is known for its archaeological wealth. The objectives of this paper are to study the underwater contexts associated with the archaeological site, to determine whether there were any ports or anchorages and to analyse the phases of greatest activity in the bay between Antiquity and the Modern Age. New data are provided, and earlier finds, either previously unpublished or from private donations, are also reviewed. The findings are discussed and related to their local and interregional contexts. The main purpose is to offer a new contribution to the study of the maritime cultural landscape of the Western Mediterranean through a region underrepresented by research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proper assessment of the foraging habits of the Guadalupe fur seal (GFS; Arctocephalus townsendi) is a priority to better understand its recovery, in which the potential for intraspecific competition for prey and space resources is expected to lead to segregation. This study aimed to determine the foraging habits of different sex and age classes. A total of 146 GFS fur samples was collected at Guadalupe Island, Mexico (2014–2020) for stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) analysis. Isotopic areas were created (SIBER package in R). Significant isotopic differences were observed between classes. Male (3.6‰2) and female (3.0‰2) juveniles had the largest isotopic areas due to a greater foraging dispersion. Adult females showed the lowest mean δ15N value (16.1‰ ± 0.5‰) due to foraging trips that are mostly performed towards high latitudes. Except for pups, adult and subadult males presented the highest mean δ15N (17.4‰ ± 0.4‰) and δ13C values (−17.0‰ ± 0.8‰) due to a possible higher trophic level and coastal foraging habits, whereas pups presented the highest mean δ15N value (17.6‰ ± 0.3‰) because of lactation, which reflects their mothers δ15N signal plus their own enrichment. Our findings suggest a segregation explained by differences in life history, energy requirements, and a possible strategy to avoid competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A panel of 10 experts in obesity from various Latin American countries held a Zoom meeting intending to reach a consensus on the use of anti‐obesity medicines and make updated recommendations suitable for the Latin American population based on the available evidence. A questionnaire with 16 questions was developed using the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (Result) methodology, which was iterated according to the modified Delphi methodology, and a consensus was reached with 80% or higher agreement. Failure to reach a consensus led to a second round of analysis with a rephrased question and the same rules for agreement. The recommendations were drafted based on the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice. This panel of experts recommends drug therapy in patients with a body mass index of ≥30 or ≥27 kg/m2 plus at least one comorbidity, when lifestyle changes are not enough to achieve the weight loss objective; alternatively, lifestyle changes could be maintained while considering individual parameters. Algorithms for the use of long‐term medications are suggested based on drugs that increase or decrease body weight, results, contraindications, and medications that are not recommended. The authors concluded that anti‐obesity treatments should be individualized and multidisciplinary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) is a mustelid distributed geographically from Mexico to Argentina. Anomalous origins of the aortic arch branches are rarely reported in wild carnivorans. Therefore, this study aimed to report the anomalous branching of the aortic arch in one formaldehyde‐fixed specimen of L. longicaudis. The aortic arch provided three branches: the bicarotid trunk and the left and right subclavian arteries. The latter passed dorsally to the esophagus toward the right side without a mark of compression at the esophagus. This is the first report of an anomalous origin of the right subclavian artery in L. longicaudis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas turbine combustors are often subjected to combustion instabilities because of variability of operating conditions, affecting components, and altering exhaust emissions. Herein, the analysis focuses on simulating numerically the non‐premixed combustion as unsteady flamelet combustion and detailed kinetic mechanism. The goal is analyzing exhaust gases under unsteady inlet airflow conditions to define operation guidelines. The numerical approach is validated using data from the literature for nonperturbed cases. Three periodical perturbations of different amplitude show differences with the nonperturbed case. Besides emission of exhaust gases, the temperature field is sensitive to airflow inlet conditions. According to the simulation results, a strong dependence of temperature and pressure in primary and dilution zones of combustor exists on the inlet air pressure condition. Emissions of flue gases like CO and NOx respond to combustor thermal behavior showing high sensitivity to inlet air pressure as well. Results indicate that moderate pressure oscillations may derive into flashback effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In the present study, the ageing process of Sherry vinegar in used (seasoned) or new casks made of chestnut, American oak, Spanish oak or French oak wood has been investigated, considering that no research has investigated whether this seasoning has a definite influence on the final composition of the aged beverage. The polyphenolic and volatile contents of the aged vinegars were determined and their sensory properties were evaluated. Different statistical tools were applied to the data collected. RESULTS: With respect to polyphenolic contents, ageing time was the most influential factor, followed by the seasoned‐cask factor. The type of wood was only significant for gallic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, methylfurfural, ethyl gallate, ferulic acid, coniferyl aldehyde and sinapaldehyde. Principal component analysis according to polyphenols did not allow the samples to be differentiated, whereas cluster analysis revealed a slight grouping trend according to ageing time and seasoning of the wood. In relation to volatile compounds, variance analysis revealed that, again, ageing time and cask‐seasoning were the most significant factors, with the samples clustering according to these two parameters. Following the sensory study, a clear difference between seasoned and new cask vinegars could be established as a result of the high scores in olfactory quality obtained for those vinegars aged in new casks. This was probably because of an excess of the descriptor 'ethyl acetate' exhibited by seasoned‐cask Sherry vinegars. CONCLUSION: The previous seasoning of the casks together with the ageing time conditioned the composition of the vinegars aged in casks of different botanical origin, which translated into differences at a sensory level. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: To describe the experiences and unmet medical care needs of a group of parents of children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) caused by the SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19, and GNAO1 variants. Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling. The inclusion criteria consisted of parents of children with DEEs caused by the SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19, or GNAO1 variants, aged between 4 and 10 years old. In total, 21 parents were included. Data were acquired via researcher field notes and in‐depth interviews. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: Three main themes were identified: (1) managing symptoms: epileptic seizures are experienced with great uncertainty and are accompanied by cognitive, behavioural, and motor symptoms; (2) accepting treatment: the ideal medication regimen is a challenge and the decision to withdraw or start a new therapy falls on the parents; and (3) therapeutic relationship and medical care: behaviours related to the health professional can hinder the therapeutic relationship with the parents. Parents are apprehensive about going to the emergency department. Interpretation: Professionals in emergency departments should acquire better knowledge of DEEs, welcome parents, and improve treatment for the children. The results of this study can serve as a starting point for a roadmap of relevant caregiver‐reported outcomes in DEEs, to be implemented with new clinical trials and aetiology‐targeted therapies. What this paper adds: Epileptic seizures are the symptom that is most experienced and feared by parents.The medication regime has no defined protocol and the decision to withdraw a medication is frequently left to parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the integration of allergists into a Spanish antibiotic stewardship program to improve the treatment of patients with beta-lactam allergy. The study found that this intervention increased the use of beta-lactam antibiotics and decreased the use of fluoroquinolones and aztreonam in hospitalized patients. The authors emphasize the importance of accurate labeling of beta-lactam allergy to avoid suboptimal antimicrobial regimens and potential complications. The study also highlights the need for specialist evaluation and risk stratification to ensure the safety of patients with selective allergies. [Extracted from the article]

A 3‐year‐old, neutered, female, mix‐breed dog was presented with a history of acute haemorrhagic vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia and lethargy. The patient had a hyperkinetic pulse, pale mucous membranes, bilateral hyphema and the capillary refill time was increased. Coagulation testing showed increased values. Abdominal ultrasound revealed diffuse thickening of the submucosal layer with hyperechoic peritoneum and enlargement of the gastric lymph node. The presumptive diagnosis was gastric wall haemorrhage secondary to rodenticide intoxication. The dog responded to treatment and was discharged after 48 hours. Fifteen days later, the thickness and layering of the stomach wall was normal. Gastric wall haemorrhage is a rare condition in dogs with rodenticide intoxication, which requires a biopsy for confirmation. However, the risk of haemorrhage does not make this feasible. In this case, the authors suspect that submucosal gastric thickening was secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication based on history, clinical examination, haematological analysis and coagulation testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One‐dimensional selective NMR experiments relying on a J‐filter element are proposed to isolate specific signals in crowded 1H spectral regions. The J‐filter allows the edition or filtering of signals in a region of interest of the spectrum by exploiting the specific values of their 1H‐1H coupling constants and certain parameters of protons coupled to them that appear in less congested parts of the spectrum (chemical shifts and coupling constants). The new experiments permitted the isolation of specific peaks of phytosterol components in a sample obtained from a liquid nutraceutical recommended for lowering blood cholesterol levels in regions with complete overlap in the 1H spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large conformational heterogeneity of human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a flavoprotein associated with various human diseases, has been observed to occur in the catalytic site of the enzyme. Here, we report the X‐ray structure of NQO1 with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) at 1.6 Å resolution. Activity assays confirmed that, despite being covalently bound to the Tyr128 residue at the catalytic site, PMSF did not abolish NQO1 activity. This may indicate that the PMSF molecule does not reduce the high flexibility of Tyr128, thus allowing NADH and DCPIP substrates to bind to the enzyme. Our results show that targeting Tyr128, a key residue in NQO1 function, with small covalently bound molecules could possibly not be a good drug discovery strategy to inhibit this enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extrinsic thoracic limb muscles are a muscular group that supports the thoracic limb in mammals without the clavicle and serve to move the scapula and shoulder joint. However, there are few evolutionary studies of these muscles in Felis catus, which should take into account the topology and innervation of the muscles to hypothesize the muscle derivation from a common ancestor. The main objective of this study was to check the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in ten cadavers. Intra‐ and interspecific anatomical variants were found with that formerly described and other felids. Based on the topology and innervation found in this study, the evolutionary derivation was hypothesized. Therefore, the omotransversarius and rhomboideus muscles are derived from the serratus ventralis cervicis muscle. The cleidobrachialis muscle is derived mainly from the m. deltoideus and accessorily from the supracoracoid muscular group. The pectoantebrachialis and pectoralis abdominalis muscles are derived from the pectoralis descendens and cutaneus trunci muscles, respectively. In conclusion, most extrinsic thoracic limb muscles of F. catus may have evolutionary derivations from the last common ancestor of mammals, while some of them are from the last common ancestor of carnivorans or within the family Felidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite the increasing scientific evidence on the importance of carrion in the ecology and evolution of many vertebrates, scavenging is still barely considered in diet studies. Here, we draw attention to how scientific literature has underestimated the role of vertebrates as scavengers, identifying the ecological traits that characterize those species whose role as scavengers could have gone especially unnoticed. Location: Global. Time Period: 1938–2022. Major Taxa Studied: Terrestrial vertebrate scavengers. Methods: We analysed and compared (a) the largest database available on scavenging patterns by carrion‐consuming vertebrates, (b) 908 diet studies about 156 scavenger species and (c) one of the most complete databases on bird and mammal diets (Elton Traits database). For each of these 156 species, we calculated their scavenging degree (i.e. proportion of carcases where the species is detected consuming carrion) as a proxy for carrion consumption, and related their ecological traits with the probability of being identified as scavengers in diet studies and in the Elton Traits database. Results: More than half of the species identified as scavengers at monitored carcasses were not assigned carrion as food source in their diet studies nor in the Elton Traits database. Using a subset of study sites, we found a direct relationship between a species' scavenging degree and its rate of carrion biomass removal. In addition, scavenger species, which were classified as non‐predators and mammals had a lower probability of being identified as scavengers in diet studies and in the Elton Traits database, respectively. Main Conclusions: Our results clearly indicate an underestimation of the role of scavenging in vertebrate food webs. Given that detritus recycling is fundamental to ecosystem functioning, we encourage further recognition and investigation of the role of carrion as a food resource for vertebrates, especially for non‐predator species and mammals with higher scavenging degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human societies face challenges in transitioning towards low‐carbon economies and sustainable management of land use and natural resources. Documenting and learning from past transitions helps policy‐makers cope with such challenges. The agricultural revolution in Cantabrian Spain (ca. 7000 cal a bp) was one major adaptation of hunter‐gatherers to a changing environment that started with the Last Glacial Maximum (ca. 24 000 cal a bp) and lasted until the Mid‐Holocene (ca. 5300 cal a bp). Classic approaches to documenting prehistoric cultural timelines are based on manufacturing and technology, thus limited in their ability to describe the sustainability of past societies. Energy regimes, a functional societal approach independent from time, investigate and consider patterns of resource and energy use in various cohabiting and cooperating cultural phases. To examine past energy regimes, a database of archaeological remains was compiled to document four indicators: mobility, economy, overexploitation and societal complexity. Statistical analyses were conducted to elucidate trends, changes and continuity in subsistence strategies by hunter‐gatherers and sedentary societies. Results show that energy regimes act as a complement to cultural phases, adding novel functional analyses of past societies to cultural stratigraphy units common in archaeology, shedding light on the sustainability of past societal transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. There is no simple treatment to alleviate ischemic brain injury, as thrombolytic therapy is applicable within a narrow time window. During the last years, the ketogenic diet (KD) and the exogenous administration of the ketone body β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) have been proposed as therapeutic tools for acute neurological disorders and both can reduce ischemic brain injury. However, the mechanisms involved are not completely clear. We have previously shown that the D enantiomer of BHB stimulates the autophagic flux in cultured neurons exposed to glucose deprivation (GD) and in the brain of hypoglycemic rats. Here, we have investigated the effect of the systemic administration of D‐BHB, followed by its continuous infusion after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), on the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Results show for the first time that the protective effect of BHB against MCAO injury is enantiomer selective as only D‐BHB, the physiologic enantiomer of BHB, significantly reduced brain injury. D‐BHB treatment prevented the cleavage of the lysosomal membrane protein LAMP2 and stimulated the autophagic flux in the ischemic core and the penumbra. In addition, D‐BHB notably reduced the activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway of the UPR and inhibited IRE1α phosphorylation. L‐BHB showed no significant effect relative to ischemic animals. In cortical cultures under GD, D‐BHB prevented LAMP2 cleavage and decreased lysosomal number. It also abated the activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway, partially sustained protein synthesis, and reduced pIRE1α. In contrast, L‐BHB showed no significant effects. Results suggest that protection elicited by D‐BHB treatment post‐ischemia prevents lysosomal rupture allowing functional autophagy, preventing the loss of proteostasis and UPR activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Gluten‐free diet (GFD) is the only treatment for patients with coeliac disease (CD) and its compliance should be monitored to avoid cumulative damage. Aims: To analyse gluten exposures of coeliac patients on GFD for at least 24 months using different monitoring tools and its impact on duodenal histology at 12‐month follow‐up and evaluate the interval of determination of urinary gluten immunogenic peptides (u‐GIP) for the monitoring of GFD adherence. Methods: Ninety‐four patients with CD on a GFD for at least 24 months were prospectively included. Symptoms, serology, CDAT questionnaire, and u‐GIP (three samples/visit) were analysed at inclusion, 3, 6, and 12 months. Duodenal biopsy was performed at inclusion and 12 months. Results: At inclusion, 25.8% presented duodenal mucosal damage; at 12 months, this percentage reduced by half. This histological improvement was indicated by a reduction in u‐GIP but did not correlate with the remaining tools. The determination of u‐GIP detected a higher number of transgressions than serology, regardless of histological evolution type. The presence of >4 u‐GIP‐positive samples out of 12 collected during 12 months predicted histological lesion with a specificity of 93%. Most patients (94%) with negative u‐GIP in ≥2 follow‐up visits showed the absence of histological lesions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the frequency of recurrent gluten exposures, according to serial determination of u‐GIP, could be related to the persistence of villous atrophy and that a more regular follow‐up every 6 months, instead of annually, provides more useful data about the adequate adherence to GFD and mucosal healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our knowledge on the genetic diversity of the human genome is exponentially growing. However, our capacity to establish genotype–phenotype correlations on a large scale requires a combination of detailed experimental and computational work. This is a remarkable task in human proteins which are typically multifunctional and structurally complex. In addition, mutations often prevent the determination of mutant high‐resolution structures by X‐ray crystallography. We have characterized here the effects of five mutations in the active site of the disease‐associated NQO1 protein, which are found either in cancer cell lines or in massive exome sequencing analysis in human population. Using a combination of H/D exchange, rapid‐flow enzyme kinetics, binding energetics and conformational stability, we show that mutations in both sets may cause counterintuitive functional effects that are explained well by their effects on local stability regarding different functional features. Importantly, mutations predicted to be highly deleterious (even those affecting the same protein residue) may cause mild to catastrophic effects on protein function. These functional effects are not well explained by current predictive bioinformatic tools and evolutionary models that account for site conservation and physicochemical changes upon mutation. Our study also reinforces the notion that naturally occurring mutations not identified as disease‐associated can be highly deleterious. Our approach, combining protein biophysics and structural biology tools, is readily accessible to broadly increase our understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations and to improve predictive computational tools aimed at distinguishing disease‐prone against neutral missense variants in the human genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species' ranges are dynamic, particularly at large temporal scales. The reconstruction of range dynamics has an obvious biogeographical interest and might also help to frame current knowledge on the ecology and conservation of a species within a wider biogeographical context. The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus is a charismatic high‐altitude species occurring along mountain ranges of the Old World. The species has experienced a global range contraction in the last century mainly due to unintentional poisoning and direct persecution. Despite its declining status and high habitat specialization, little is known about how climate change is impacting the distribution of suitable habitat, or about global past range dynamics of the species. We modelled the current distribution of Bearded Vulture throughout its entire range and projected the Last Glacial Maxima (LGM), Mid‐Holocene (MH) and future distribution under 2070s climate change scenarios. Overall, our models predicted that expansion of suitable areas at more northern latitudes for 2070, mostly in Russia and China, does not compensate for range contraction at more southern latitudes, resulting in a global loss of 15% of suitable habitat. Our fine‐scale predictions of habitat contraction due to climate change will assist in identifying current portions of the range that might be particularly vulnerable in coming years. African populations (34% decrease) and more thermic areas in Asia are the most impacted areas, and should be at the forefront of future monitoring and conservation efforts. Our models suggest that the predicted contraction in habitat suitability during the 21st century largely continues the contraction experienced since the LGM (7% decline), albeit over a much shorter period of time. From a biogeographical perspective, our models suggest that there have not been relevant changes in the arrangement of the main suitable areas for the species since the LGM. This result challenges some of the main hypotheses proposed to explain the observed genetic structure of the global population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research studies the influence of positive affect on entrepreneurs' evaluations of opportunities (i.e. novelty assessments and entrepreneurial selection) as well as how this influence may be different for entrepreneurs belonging to cultural and creative industries. Drawing on arguments on the role of affect in cognition and considering the particular situational and individual‐level factors of entrepreneurship in cultural and creative industries, we hypothesize that positive affect influences entrepreneurs' opportunity evaluation. We also hypothesize that this effect of positive affect is barely present for cultural and creative entrepreneurs. We test our hypotheses in a sample of nascent entrepreneurs who took part in entrepreneurship training programmes in six incubators in Spain, who we asked to evaluate their own opportunity. Our results show that positive affect positively impacts the perceived novelty and entrepreneurial selection of non‐creative entrepreneurs though this impact is limited for cultural and creative entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The robust brown capuchin monkey (Sapajus apella) is a South American primate with preferences for arboreal locomotion, which requires specific thoracic limb muscle adaptations. The present investigation studied the gross anatomy of the extrinsic and intrinsic scapular and brachial muscles. Methods: Gross dissections were performed in both thoracic limbs of four formaldehyde‐fixed specimens. Results: Three rhomboideus muscles were present (capitis, cervicis, and thoracis). The trapezius muscle was divided into two parts (cervicis and thoracis). The pectoralis abdominalis and omotransversarius muscles were present. The anconeus muscle was found as an individual muscle or fused to the caput mediale of the triceps brachii muscle. The brachialis muscle had among one and two heads. The anconeus epitrochlearis was absent. Conclusion: These muscles of Sapajus apella are adapted for arboreal locomotion and some terrestrial habits, since these have many similarities with other primates with a similar locomotor patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: Many species experienced population turnover and local extinction during the Late Pleistocene. In the case of megafauna, it remains challenging to disentangle climate change and the activities of Palaeolithic hunter‐gatherers as the main cause. In contrast, the impact of humans on rodent populations is likely to be negligible. This study investigated which climatic and/or environmental factors affect the population dynamics of the common vole. This temperate rodent is widespread across Europe and was one of the most abundant small mammal species throughout the Late Pleistocene. Location: Europe. Taxon: Common vole (Microtus arvalis). Methods: We generated a dataset comprised of 4.2 kb long fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 148 ancient and 51 modern specimens sampled from multiple localities across Europe and covering the last 60 thousand years (ka). We used Bayesian inference to reconstruct their phylogenetic relationships and to estimate the age of the specimens that were not directly dated. Results: We estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor of all last glacial and extant common vole lineages to be 90 ka ago and the divergence of the main mtDNA lineages present in extant populations to between 55 and 40 ka ago, which is earlier than most previous estimates. We detected several lineage turnovers in Europe during the period of high climate variability at the end of Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3; 57–29 ka ago) in addition to those found previously around the Pleistocene/Holocene transition. In contrast, data from the Western Carpathians suggest continuity throughout the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) even at high latitudes. Main Conclusions: The main factor affecting the common vole populations during the last glacial period was the decrease in open habitat during the interstadials, whereas climate deterioration during the LGM had little impact on population dynamics. This suggests that the rapid environmental change rather than other factors was the major force shaping the histories of the Late Pleistocene faunas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spent coffee grounds are a bio‐residue studied as soil organic amendment and it has been proven that it has short‐term effects on soil physical properties. However, its sequential effects on the cultivation of clayey soils are little studied. Therefore, an in vitro experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of increasing doses (1%, 2%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%) of spent coffee grounds on the physical properties of a clayey soil in the Spanish Mediterranean area which is rich in smectites. The addition of spent coffee grounds increased water retention at −33 and −1500 kPa proportionally to the added amounts, but the increase in the wilting point was much larger than the field water capacity, decreasing the plant available water content. A non‐linear influence on the aggregate size is demonstrated. It increased total porosity and consequently reduced soil bulk density. This fact was reflected in the stereomicroscopy images where an increase in the pores analysed with image analysis was observed. Furthermore, SEM images corroborate that spent coffee grounds act intensely in the short‐term due to the interaction between their particles and those of clay. The 5% dose acted as a threshold dose from which the greatest effects on soil physical properties occur. In general, the use of SCG as an organic amendment is a good sustainable solution because it supposes a reuse of this bio‐residue (15 million tons per year), an increase in soil organic carbon (SCG contains ≈ 50% carbon) and an improvement of the soil physical and chemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New heterocyclic diradicaloids based on boron and nitrogen‐doped polycyclic systems with open‐shell ground‐states are obtained via concomitant structural and quinoidal extensions, thus allowing to merge the best of both design strategies. A combination of experimental characterization and theoretical calculations have helped disclose their electronic structure, as well as rationalize their associated magnetic and photophysical properties, spanning the chemical space of available molecular templates for cutting‐edge applications in organic electronics and spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicidal behaviour is particularly frequent in patients with psychosis. Therefore, prevention is a key objective of mental health policies. The aim of the current work is to systematically review the association between neurocognitive functioning and suicidal behaviour in patients with first‐episode psychosis (FEP). Material and Methods: Of the 3051 studies reviewed, only 7 met the inclusion criteria. Documents in English from their earliest date of coverage until January 2022 were searched for in the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO (ProQuest), and Springerlink. We used the PICO strategy to collect and categorize the data from each selected manuscript. Results: Overall, the results showed that the risk of suicidal behaviour is higher for FEP patients in the presence of a number of factors: poorer general neuropsychological functioning (except for working memory), poorer social cognition, more depressive symptoms, longer duration of untreated psychosis, higher awareness of the illness, poorer premorbid adjustment, and more frequent cannabis use. Discussion: Comprehensive general neuropsychology and assessment of social cognition, together with routine clinical record keeping, may help to identify FEP patients at a greater risk of attempting suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology based on artificial small RNAs, including artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs), exploits natural RNA silencing mechanisms to achieve silencing of endogenous genes or pathogens. This technology has been successfully employed to generate resistance against different eukaryotic viruses. However, information about viral RNA molecules effectively targeted by these small RNAs is rather conflicting, and factors contributing to the selection of virus mutants escaping the antiviral activity of virus‐specific small RNAs have not been studied in detail. In this work, we transformed Nicotiana benthamiana plants with amiRNA constructs designed against the potyvirus plum pox virus (PPV), a positive‐sense RNA virus, and obtained lines highly resistant to PPV infection and others showing partial resistance. These lines have allowed us to verify that amiRNA directed against genomic RNA is more efficient than amiRNA targeting its complementary strand. However, we also provide evidence that the negative‐sense RNA strand is cleaved by the amiRNA‐guided RNA silencing machinery. Our results show that the selection pressure posed by the amiRNA action on both viral RNA strands causes an evolutionary explosion that results in the emergence of a broad range of virus variants, which can further expand in the presence, and even in the absence, of antiviral challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently presented proposal to amend Directive 2018/2001/EU by Directive 2022/0160/EU ([3]), as part of the REPowerEU plan to foster the EU's renewable energy infrastructure, is a good example. The recent EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 concludes that "protecting and restoring biodiversity is the only way to preserve the quality and continuity of human life on Earth" (EU Commission [4], COM/2020,/380). Keywords: biodiversity conservation; climate change; environmental policies; non-regression principle; renewable energy EN biodiversity conservation climate change environmental policies non-regression principle renewable energy 1 3 3 07/03/23 20230501 NES 230501 Evidence indicating that human-induced climate change has caused widespread adverse impacts on nature and people is overwhelming (IPCC, [12]). [Extracted from the article]

This paper has reviewed the international literature on the explaining factors of efficiency of local governments from 1990 to June 2019. The main objective of this work is to explore the dynamics of the development of this line of research, not only to find out the terminology preferences that have dominated the pre‐ and post‐crisis period in this field but also to identify the latest worldwide research trends. For this purpose, a bibliometric and cluster analysis by fractional accounting has been carried out. The principal result of this article is twofold. First, during the whole period 1990–2019, the ranking of the most used terms is dominated by the keywords of the publications in the second subperiod 2008–2019. Second, the analysis of the latest trends, which has been extended until June 2021, shows that in recent years, the study of the determinants of local government efficiency has revolved around concepts related to environmental issues and new forms of local management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) alter ecosystems, disrupting ecological processes and driving the loss of ecosystem services. The common carp Cyprinus carpio is a hazardous and widespread IAS, becoming the most abundant species in many aquatic ecosystems. This species transforms ecosystems by accumulating biomass to the detriment of other species, thus altering food webs. However, some terrestrial species, such as vertebrate scavengers, may benefit from dead carps, by incorporating part of the carp biomass into the terrestrial environment. This study describes the terrestrial vertebrate scavenger assemblage that benefits from carp carcasses in a Mediterranean wetland. We also evaluate the seasonal differences in the scavenger assemblage composition and carrion consumption patterns. Eighty carp carcasses (20 per season) were placed in El Hondo Natural Park, a seminatural mesohaline wetland in south‐eastern Spain, and we monitored their consumption using camera traps. We recorded 14 scavenger species (10 birds and four mammals) consuming carp carcasses, including globally threatened species. Vertebrates consumed 73% of the carrion biomass and appeared consuming at 82% of the carcasses. Of these carcasses consumed, 75% were completely consumed and the mean consumption time of carcasses completely consumed by vertebrates was 44.4 h (SD = 42.1 h). We recorded differences in species richness, abundance, and assemblage composition among seasons, but we did not find seasonal differences in consumption patterns throughout the year. Our study recorded a rich and efficient terrestrial vertebrate scavenger assemblage benefitting from carp carcasses. We detected a seasonal replacement on the scavenger species, but a maintenance of the ecological function of carrion removal, as the most efficient carrion consumers were present throughout the year. The results highlight the importance of vertebrate scavengers in wetlands, removing possible infectious focus, and moving nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: scavenging; vultures; nature's contributions; human-wildlife conflict; traditional ecological knowledge; South Asia EN scavenging vultures nature's contributions human-wildlife conflict traditional ecological knowledge South Asia 786 803 18 06/10/22 20220601 NES 220601 INTRODUCTION Scavengers' ecosystem role Recent studies on ecosystem function and services consider the critical role that vertebrate scavengers occupy in an ecosystem. For responses averaged across all species, farmers in the lowland area had the highest mean ESP rankings, and midland farmers represented the least favourable perceptions on scavengers' ESP. Statistical analyses Response variables In order to quantify the ordinal data collected on the livestock farmers' perceptions, we consider how they ranked 17 scavenger species groups in relation to their capacity to provide benefit or detriment in the form of ESP and their functional importance as providing a specific scavenging service (carcass consumption) to farmers. Another facet of economic status is a farmers' formal education level, which positively influenced perceptions of all scavenger species, as farmers with advanced education (beyond high school) considered scavengers to be beneficial when considering all species together. [Extracted from the article]

The kinkajou (Potos flavus) is a carnivoran adapted for arboreal quadrupedal locomotion along with a prehensile tail. The thoracic limb bones and muscles of this species have been studied, but the knowledge about its nerves is still scarce. This knowledge is necessary to perform several veterinary procedures, and to review the differences among carnivoran species. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the origin and distribution of the brachial plexus in Potos flavus. Thereby, both brachial plexuses of five specimens were dissected (10). Seven plexuses originated from C6‐T2 (70%), whilst three plexuses originated from C5‐T2 (30%). Additionally, C6 and C7 formed two cranial trunks, and C8, T1 and T2 formed two caudal trunks. All nerves from the brachial plexus that have been reported in carnivorans were successfully located. In addition, we found one nerve reaching the teres major muscle originating directly from the brachial plexus and not from the axillary nerve as reported in other carnivorans. The brachiocephalic nerve was found partially innervating the cleidobrachialis muscle (50%), but this muscle always was innervated by the axillary nerve. Moreover, one to three subscapular nerves were found, and the musculocutaneous nerve formed two communicating branches (proximal and distal) to the median nerve. However, the distal communicating branch of the musculocutaneous nerve was absent in two specimens (40%). In conclusion, the brachial plexus of P. flavus was differentiated mainly with other carnivorans by a higher contribution from T2, formations of trunks, and one independent nerve to the teres major muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinkajou (Potos flavus) is a carnivoran that has special morphological adaptations in its thoracic limbs to climb threes and handling food. This study aimed to describe the craniolateral muscles of the antebrachium in P. flavus. Five specimens were used. The extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis were seen as two separate muscles. The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle can present two bellies with different insertions. An extensor digit III muscle was found. The P. flavus has anatomical variants on the craniolateral antebrachial muscles that were previously reported in other procyonids. Thus, those variants are phylogenetically related within the family Procyonidae, except the doubled bellies of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle which is exclusive of P. flavus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]