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Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) resulting from inherited glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) deficiency. GD diagnosis relies on GBA1 activity assays, typically employing 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (4MU-β-Glc) as fluorogenic substrate. However, these assays suffer from background 4MU release by the non-lysosomal GBA2 and cytosolic GBA3 enzymes. Here we developed GBA1-selective fluorogenic substrates by synthesizing a series of 6-O-acyl-4MU-β-Glc substrates with diverse fatty acid tails. Because of the chemical and enzymatic instability of the ester bonds, analogs of 6-O-palmitoyl-4MU-β-Glc (3) with different chemical linkages were synthesized. 6-O-alkyl-4MU-β-Glc 9, featuring an ether linkage, emerged as the most optimal GBA1 substrate, exhibiting both a low Km and compared to substrate 3 a high Vmax. Importantly, substrate 9 is not hydrolyzed by GBA2 and GBA3 and therefore acts as a superior substrate for GD diagnosis. Plants contain glycosyl phytosterols (campesterol, β-sitosterol, and sigmasterol) that may also be acylated at C-6. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that 6-O-acylated and regular glycosylcholesterol (HexChol) tend to be increased in spleens of patients with GD. Moreover, significant increases in 6-O-acyl-glycosyl-phytosterols were detected in GD spleens. Our findings suggest uptake of (6-O-acyl)-glycosyl-phytosterols from plant food and subsequent lysosomal processing by GBA1, and comprise the first example of accumulation of an exogenous class of glycolipids in GD. Excessive exposure of rodents to glycosylated phytosterols has been reported to induce manifestations of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Further investigation is warranted to determine whether (6-O-acyl)-glycosyl-phytosterols could contribute to the enigmatic link between inherited defects in GBA1 and the risk for PD.

ABSTRACT Parascedosporium putredinis NO1 is a plant biomass-degrading ascomycete with a propensity to target the most recalcitrant components of lignocellulose. Here we applied proteomics and activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) to investigate the ability of P. putredinis NO1 to tailor its secretome for growth on different lignocellulosic substrates. Proteomic analysis of soluble and insoluble culture fractions following the growth of P. putredinis NO1 on six lignocellulosic substrates highlights the adaptability of the response of the P. putredinis NO1 secretome to different substrates. Differences in protein abundance profiles were maintained and observed across substrates after bioinformatic filtering of the data to remove intracellular protein contamination to identify the components of the secretome more accurately. These differences across substrates extended to carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) at both class and family levels. Investigation of abundant activities in the secretomes for each substrate revealed similar variation but also a high abundance of “unknown” proteins in all conditions investigated. Fluorescence-based and chemical proteomic ABPP of secreted cellulases, xylanases, and β-glucosidases applied to secretomes from multiple growth substrates for the first time confirmed highly adaptive time- and substrate-dependent glycoside hydrolase production by this fungus. P. putredinis NO1 is a promising new candidate for the identification of enzymes suited to the degradation of recalcitrant lignocellulosic feedstocks. The investigation of proteomes from the biomass bound and culture supernatant fractions provides a more complete picture of a fungal lignocellulose-degrading response. An in-depth understanding of this varied response will enhance efforts toward the development of tailored enzyme systems for use in biorefining.IMPORTANCEThe ability of the lignocellulose-degrading fungus Parascedosporium putredinis NO1 to tailor its secreted enzymes to different sources of plant biomass was revealed here. Through a combination of proteomic, bioinformatic, and fluorescent labeling techniques, remarkable variation was demonstrated in the secreted enzyme response for this ascomycete when grown on multiple lignocellulosic substrates. The maintenance of this variation over time when exploring hydrolytic polysaccharide-active enzymes through fluorescent labeling, suggests that this variation results from an actively tailored secretome response based on substrate. Understanding the tailored secretomes of wood-degrading fungi, especially from underexplored and poorly represented families, will be important for the development of effective substrate-tailored treatments for the conversion and valorization of lignocellulose.

This research investigates the relationship between the returns of selected Indonesian and US stock market indexes and their risks so as to guide new investors on how to choose their investments wisely. A quantitative descriptive method was used using performance data from three Indonesian and three US stock indexes over ten years to calculate an average return. The Sharpe Index was used to measure each index's risk. The results show that the average stock return for each index in the US is higher than the Indonesia indexes, while the level of risk in the US, on average, is lower. Investors are advised to invest in index categories with higher returns and low risk to increase the chance of gaining better returns while managing their risk to be as low as possible.

In the life order of military soldiers, there are rules of soldier discipline that are useful for enforcing discipline in order to minimize soldier violations. The problem discussed in this study is how a soldier can be subject to disciplinary punishment as mandated by law number 25 of 2014 concerning Military Discipline Law. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the implementation of disciplinary enforcement in order to minimize the level of disciplinary violations by soldiers and to describe and analyze the factors that encourage and hinder disciplinary enforcement. The method used in this study is a normative juridical approach to reveal problems in the field related to military disciplinary law against violations by family members. The results of the study show that the settlement of Military Discipline Law Violations is to educate and prevent the recurrence of TNI Soldier Discipline Law Violations, Policy Law number 25 of 2014 concerning military discipline law requires that the imposition of punishment be handed over to superiors who have the right to punish, Implementation of military discipline punishment for soldiers the military for violations/criminal acts committed by members of their families should not be subject to articles 8 and 9 of Law number 25 of 2014 concerning Military Discipline Law, this is because the legal subject imposed is a Military Soldier, while the family is a civilian.

Improving national defense can be done by strengthening the national defense industry. A strong defense industry will produce modern and sophisticated military equipment according to user needs. The large number of military equipment imported from abroad requires efforts to increase the domestic defense industry to meet the needs of military equipment to increase defense capabilities. The purpose of this study is to analyze strategies and programs for the development of the defense industry and to analyze several factors that play a role in the development of the national defense industry. The collection technique in this research is through Focus Group Discussion, the results of which are input for SWOT and AHP analysis. The results of the SWOT analysis show that the defense industry has a strong category of competitiveness, and has a high opportunity to be developed because it has its own market. The three main factors for the sustainability of the defense industry are: the capability of the defense industry, the quality of its human resources, and the accuracy of delivery.

Activity-based protein profiling is used to screen lignocellulose-degrading enzymes from the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium to identify those specifically active in the presence of wood substrate.

Molecularly thin films are important in material sciences but their use in a wide range of applications requires control over their chemical functionalities, which is difficult to achieve. Here, the authors use decacyclene to form such freestanding and mechanically stable molecular films held together by supramolecular interactions without requiring covalent crosslinking of any kind

The human Golgi α-mannosidase, hGMII, removes two mannose residues from GlcNAc-Man5GlcNAc2 to produce GlcNAcMan3GlcNAc2, the precursor of all complex N-glycans including tumour-associated ones. The natural product GMII inhibitor, swainsonine, blocks processing of cancer-associated N-glycans, but also inhibits the four other human α-mannosidases, rendering it unsuitable for clinical use. Our previous structure-guided screening of iminosugar pyrrolidine and piperidine fragments identified two micromolar hGMII inhibitors occupying the enzyme active pockets in adjacent, partially overlapping sites. Here we demonstrate that fusing these fragments yields swainsonine-configured indolizidines featuring a C3-substituent that act as selective hGMII inhibitors. Our structure-guided GMII-selective inhibitor design complements a recent combinatorial approach that yielded similarly configured and substituted indolizidine GMII inhibitors, and holds promise for the potential future development of anti-cancer agents targeting Golgi N-glycan processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal carfilzomib dosing is a matter of debate. We analyzed the inhibition profiles of proteolytic proteasome subunits β5, β2 and β1 after low-dose (20/27 mg/m2) versus high-dose (≥36 mg/m2) carfilzomib in 103 pairs of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) multiple myeloma (MM). β5 activity was inhibited (median inhibition >50%) in vivo by 20 mg/m2, whereas β2 and β1 were co-inhibited only by 36 and 56 mg/m2, respectively. Coinhibition of β2 (P=0.0001) and β1 activity (P=0.0005) differed significantly between high-dose and low-dose carfilzomib. Subsequently, high-dose carfilzomib showed significantly more effective proteasome inhibition than low-dose carfilzomib in vivo (P=0.0003). We investigated the clinical data of 114 patients treated with carfilzomib combinations. High-dose carfilzomib demonstrated a higher overall response rate (P=0.03) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.007) than low-dose carfilzomib. Therefore, we escalated the carfilzomib dose to ≥36 mg/m2 in 16 patients who progressed during low-dose carfilzomib-containing therapies. High-dose carfilzomib recaptured response (≥ partial remission) in nine (56%) patients with a median PFS of 4.4 months. Altogether, we provide the first in vivo evidence in RRMM patients that the molecular activity of high-dose carfilzomib differs from that of low-dose carfilzomib by coinhibition of β2 and β1 proteasome subunits and, consequently, high-dose carfilzomib achieves a superior anti-MM effect than low-dose carfilzomib and recaptures the response in RRMM resistant to low-dose carfilzomib. The optimal carfilzomib dose should be ≥36 mg/m2 to reach a sufficient anti-tumor activity, while the balance between efficacy and tolerability should be considered in each patient.

A commercial niobium oxide was used to form a gelled material, which was lyophilized producing a novel polyoxoniobate catalyst (L-AmNbO) containing peroxo groups. The activity of this new catalyst was assessed through oxidation reactions of the cyclohexene. In the presence of L-AmNbO catalyst, the oxidation of cyclohexene with H2O2 reached 90% of conversion after 12 h at 75 °C, with selectivity for 1,2-cyclohexanediol (∼ 50%). The catalytic results and the surface properties of this new material indicated that it can be a promising catalyst for niobium compounds applications in the selective oxidation of cyclohexene.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer in adults. Despite the remarkable advancements in recent years in the realm of cancer diagnosis and therapy, regrettably, GBM remains the most lethal form of brain cancer. In this view, the fascinating area of nanotechnology has emerged as an innovative strategy for developing novel nanomaterials for cancer nanomedicine, such as artificial enzymes, termed nanozymes, with intrinsic enzyme-like activities. Therefore, this study reports for the first time the design, synthesis, and extensive characterization of innovative colloidal nanostructures made of cobalt-doped iron oxide nanoparticles chemically stabilized by a carboxymethylcellulose capping ligand (i.e., Co-MION), creating a peroxidase-like (POD) nanozyme for biocatalytically killing GBM cancer cells. These nanoconjugates were produced using a strictly green aqueous process under mild conditions to create non-toxic bioengineered nanotherapeutics against GBM cells. The nanozyme (Co-MION) showed a magnetite inorganic crystalline core with a uniform spherical morphology (diameter, 2R = 6–7 nm) stabilized by the CMC biopolymer, producing a hydrodynamic diameter (HD) of 41–52 nm and a negatively charged surface (ZP~−50 mV). Thus, we created supramolecular water-dispersible colloidal nanostructures composed of an inorganic core (Cox-MION) and a surrounding biopolymer shell (CMC). The nanozymes confirmed the cytotoxicity evaluated by an MTT bioassay using a 2D culture in vitro of U87 brain cancer cells, which was concentration-dependent and boosted by increasing the cobalt-doping content in the nanosystems. Additionally, the results confirmed that the lethality of U87 brain cancer cells was predominantly caused by the production of toxic cell-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the in situ generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) by the peroxidase-like activity displayed by nanozymes. Thus, the nanozymes induced apoptosis (i.e., programmed cell death) and ferroptosis (i.e., lipid peroxidation) pathways by intracellular biocatalytic enzyme-like activity. More importantly, based on the 3D spheroids model, these nanozymes inhibited tumor growth and remarkably reduced the malignant tumor volume after the nanotherapeutic treatment (ΔV~40%). The kinetics of the anticancer activity of these novel nanotherapeutic agents decreased with the time of incubation of the GBM 3D models, indicating a similar trend commonly observed in tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the 2D in vitro model overestimated the relative efficiency of the anticancer agents (i.e., nanozymes and the DOX drug) compared to the 3D spheroid models. These findings are notable as they evidenced that the 3D spheroid model resembles more precisely the TME of “real” brain cancer tumors in patients than 2D cell cultures. Thus, based on our groundwork, 3D tumor spheroid models might be able to offer transitional systems between conventional 2D cell cultures and complex biological in vivo models for evaluating anticancer agents more precisely. These nanotherapeutics offer a wide avenue of opportunities to develop innovative nanomedicines for fighting against cancerous tumors and reducing the frequency of severe side effects in conventionally applied chemotherapy-based treatments.

Benchmarking is a method that can be used to measure progress and create awareness about the performance of organisations. Benchmarking the housing stock energy performance of Dutch housing associations can be used to measure and assess progress towards the decarbonisation of the housing stock. A new national climate agreement was signed in 2019, and in 2021 a new method to determine the theoretical energy performance of dwellings came into force in the Netherlands. To benchmark energy performance, a set of indicators is created that adequately represents the performance of Dutch housing associations according to the changed policies. A process involving key stakeholders is presented here to identify, assess and combine possible indicators. These were then integrated into four integrated models, which led to a final benchmark model. A model was chosen that consists of three indicators covering the energy performance of Dutch housing associations. The process and arguments that led to this final model are presented. While applicable within the Dutch context, the method and research results provide generalisable insights for the creation of energy performance benchmarks for building stocks. 'Practice relevance' This paper provides both researchers and policymakers with a practical approach to monitor and benchmark the energy performance of dwellings owned by organisations. An analysis of the Dutch policy context is presented. Examples of possible benchmark indicators are described and evaluated. A method is created to assess indicators and it is shown how to integrate indicators in different benchmark models. The final model consists of three indicators: (1) the average theoretical primary fossil energy consumption (energy label value); (2) the difference between the theoretical heating demand (quality building envelope) and the theoretical maximum heating demand of dwellings; and (3) the average actual CO2 emissions from gas consumption. Researchers and policymakers from other countries can adapt both the process and the final benchmark model to create similar benchmark models across housing stocks.

Abstract Background Preoperative antiseptic skin solutions are used prior to most surgical procedures; however, there is no definitive research comparing infection-related outcomes following use of the various solutions available to orthopedic trauma surgeons. The objective of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of a cluster randomized crossover trial that assesses the comparative effectiveness of a 10% povidone-iodine solution versus a 4% chlorhexidine gluconate solution for the management of open fractures. Methods Two orthopedic trauma centers participated in this pilot study. Each of these clinical sites was randomized to a starting solution (povidone-iodine solution or chlorhexidine gluconate) then subsequently crossed over to the other treatment after 2 months. During the 4-month enrollment phase, we assessed compliance, enrollment rates, participant follow-up, and accurate documentation of the primary clinical outcome. Feasibility outcomes included (1) the implementation of the interventions during a run-in period; (2) enrollment of participants during two 2-month enrollment phases; (3) application of the trial interventions as per the cluster randomization crossover scheme; (4) participant follow-up; and (5) accurate documentation of the primary outcome (surgical site infection). Feasibility outcomes were summarized using descriptive statistics reported as means (standard deviation) or medians (first quartile, third quartile) for continuous variables depending on their distribution and counts (percentage) for categorical variables. Corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also reported. Results All five of the criteria for feasibility were met. During the run-in phase, all 18 of the eligible patients identified at the two clinical sites received the correct cluster-assigned treatment. A total of 135 patients were enrolled across both sites during the 4-month recruitment phase, which equates to 92% (95% CI 85.9 to 96.4%) of eligible patients being enrolled. Compliance with the assigned treatment in the pilot study was 98% (95% CI 93.5 to 99.8%). Ninety-eight percent (95% CI 93.5 to 99.8%) of participants completed the 90-day post-surgery follow-up and the primary outcome (SSI) was accurately documented for 100% (95% CI 96.6 to 100.0%) of the participants. Conclusions These results confirm the feasibility of a definitive study comparing antiseptic solutions using a cluster randomized crossover trial design. Building upon the infrastructure established during the pilot phase, a definitive study has been successfully initiated. Trial registration ClincialTrials.gov , number NCT03385304 . Registered December 28, 2017.

Lysosomal degradation pathways coordinate the clearance of superfluous and damaged cellular components. Compromised lysosomal degradation is a hallmark of many degenerative diseases, including lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), which are caused by loss-of-function mutations within both alleles of a lysosomal hydrolase, leading to lysosomal substrate accumulation. Gaucher's disease, characterized by <15% of normal glucocerebrosidase function, is the most common LSD and is a prominent risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease. Here, we show that either of two structurally distinct small molecules that modulate PIKfyve activity, identified in a high-throughput cellular lipid droplet clearance screen, can improve glucocerebrosidase function in Gaucher patient-derived fibroblasts through an MiT/TFE transcription factor that promotes lysosomal gene translation. An integrated stress response (ISR) antagonist used in combination with a PIKfyve modulator further improves cellular glucocerebrosidase activity, likely because ISR signaling appears to also be slightly activated by treatment by either small molecule at the higher doses employed. This strategy of combining a PIKfyve modulator with an ISR inhibitor improves mutant lysosomal hydrolase function in cellular models of additional LSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local knowledge about natural resources is increasingly crucial in formulating conservation strategies and activities. This study collects data regarding medicinal plant use from Sepahat and Tamiang village residents. A total of 100 participants were included in the study, consisting of 50 participants from the Sepahat and another 50 from the Tamiang. Respondents were selected using the Snowball sampling technique, which involved identifying a key individual, such as local leaders, to initiate recruitment of other respondents. The study's findings indicate that the inhabitants of Sepahat village utilize 36 plant species belonging to 24 families, while Tamiang villagers use 11 plant species belonging to eight families. In Sepahat village, the botanical components used for medication comprise 25% rhizomes, 8% bark, 22% fruit, 3% shoots, 34% leaves, and 8% stems. In contrast, Tamiang comprises 23% rhizomes, 16% bark, 15% fruit, and 46% leaves. The utilization of stems and bark has the potential to pose a threat to sustainability. Among various uses, it has been observed that approximately 33% in Sepahat and 27% in Tamiang can lead to plant mortality. Conservation initiatives have been undertaken for 71% of Sepahat and 67% of the utilized plant species in Taminag. Traditional medicines have been used for generations to treat various health conditions, such as back pain, bleeding, controlling cholesterol, coughs, dengue fever, and diabetes. While current use might not threaten the biosphere reserve, villagers must embrace sustainable harvesting techniques, including selective harvesting, replanting, and establishing community nurseries dedicated to cultivating medicinal plants [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sulfolipid sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), produced by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, constitutes a major sulfur reserve in the biosphere. Microbial breakdown of SQDG is critical for the biological utilization of its sulfur. This commences through release of the parent sugar, sulfoquinovose (SQ), catalyzed by sulfoquinovosidases (SQases). These vanguard enzymes are encoded in gene clusters that code for diverse SQ catabolic pathways. To identify, visualize and isolate glycoside hydrolase CAZY‐family 31 (GH31) SQases in complex biological environments, we introduce SQ cyclophellitol‐aziridine activity‐based probes (ABPs). These ABPs label the active site nucleophile of this enzyme family, consistent with specific recognition of the SQ cyclophellitol‐aziridine in the active site, as evidenced in the 3D structure of Bacillus megaterium SQase. A fluorescent Cy5‐probe enables visualization of SQases in crude cell lysates from bacteria harbouring different SQ breakdown pathways, whilst a biotin‐probe enables SQase capture and identification by proteomics. The Cy5‐probe facilitates monitoring of active SQase levels during different stages of bacterial growth which show great contrast to more traditional mRNA analysis obtained by RT‐qPCR. Given the importance of SQases in global sulfur cycling and in human microbiota, these SQase ABPs provide a new tool with which to study SQase occurrence, activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycoside hydrolases (glycosidases) take part in myriad biological processes and are important therapeutic targets. Competitive and mechanism‐based inhibitors are useful tools to dissect their biological role and comprise a good starting point for drug discovery. The natural product, cyclophellitol, a mechanism‐based, covalent and irreversible retaining β‐glucosidase inhibitor has inspired the design of diverse α‐ and β‐glycosidase inhibitor and activity‐based probe scaffolds. Here, we sought to deepen our understanding of the structural and functional requirements of cyclophellitol‐type compounds for effective human α‐glucosidase inhibition. We synthesized a comprehensive set of α‐configured 1,2‐ and 1,5a‐cyclophellitol analogues bearing a variety of electrophilic traps. The inhibitory potency of these compounds was assessed towards both lysosomal and ER retaining α‐glucosidases. These studies revealed the 1,5a‐cyclophellitols to be the most potent retaining α‐glucosidase inhibitors, with the nature of the electrophile determining inhibitory mode of action (covalent or non‐covalent). DFT calculations support the ability of the 1,5a‐cyclophellitols, but not the 1,2‐congeners, to adopt conformations that mimic either the Michaelis complex or transition state of α‐glucosidases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with Netherton syndrome (NTS) have increased serine protease activity, which strongly impacts the barrier function of the skin epidermis and leads to skin inflammation. Here, we investigated how serine protease activity in NTS correlates with changes in the stratum corneum (SC) ceramides, which are crucial components of the skin barrier. We examined two key enzymes involved in epidermal ceramide biosynthesis, β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and acid-sphingomyelinase (ASM). We compared in situ expression levels and activities of GBA and ASM between NTS patients and controls and correlated the expression and activities with i) SC ceramide profiles, ii) in situ serine protease activity, and iii) clinical presentation of patients. Using activity-based probe labeling, we visualized and localized active epidermal GBA, and a newly developed in situ zymography method enabled us to visualize and localize active ASM. Reduction in active GBA in NTS patients coincided with increased ASM activity, particularly in areas with increased serine protease activity. NTS patients with scaly erythroderma exhibited more pronounced anomalies in GBA and ASM activities than patients with ichthyosis linearis circumflexa. They also displayed a stronger increase in SC ceramides processed via ASM. We conclude that changes in the localization of active GBA and ASM correlate with i) altered SC ceramide composition in NTS patients, ii) local serine protease activity, and iii) the clinical manifestation of NTS.

Chemical tools to monitor drug-target engagement of endogenous enzymes are essential for preclinical target validation. Here, the authors present a chemical genetics strategy to study target engagement of endogenous kinases, achieving specific labeling and inactivation of FES kinase to provide insights into FES’ role in neutrophil phagocytosis.

Background: The natural transition from neonatal deciduous teeth to adult permanent teeth is a physiological phenomenon. Miura et al. reported the isolation and characterization of stem cells from the pulp of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). The great majority of current stem cell therapies use human adult stem cells. Since adult stem cells are multi-potent. SHED have demonstrated to have the capability to differentiate into osteogenic and odontogenic cells, adipocytes, and neural cells. When transplanted in immunocompromised mice, SHED were able to form bone. In addition, SHED have been able to differentiate into functional odontoblast and angiogenic endothelial cells. Aims and Objective: There are two objectives in our study; First, we want to confirm that SHED cells differentiate into osteogenic and neurotic cells. Second, we shall also examine whether SHED stem cells can also differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Material and Method: SHED stem cells are subjected to cardiomyogenic, neurogenic, and osteogenic induction treatment. The treated cells are the subjected to real time PCR and mmuno-histochemical analysis. The presence of calcium deposits with Alizarin Red S staining for SHED cells treated with osteogenic media was used to confirm osteogenic differentiation. Results: Our study confirmed that SHED cells differentiate into osteogenic and neurotic cells. For the first time we showed that SHED cells can also differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: Due to their potentials and its neural crest origin, SHED are an ideal stem cell source for tissue regeneration.