Lower limb muscles' thicknesses are weakly associated with dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat in women with patellofemoral pain.

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) patients often show an altered lower limb alignment during the single-leg squat (SLS). There is evidence that proximal and distal-to-the-knee muscle alterations can modify the lower limb alignment in PFP patients. However, we observed a lack of studies investigating the possible association between the thickness and strength of proximal and distal-to-the-knee muscles and lower limb alignment during SLS in women with PFP. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the thickness and strength of lower limb muscles and dynamic knee valgus (DKV) during SLS in women with PFP. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, where fifty-five women with PFP were submitted to the following evaluations: (1) muscle thickness (MT) of Gluteus Medius (GMed), Gluteus Maximus (GMax), Vastus Lateralis (VL), and Tibialis Anterior (TA); (2) isometric peak torque of hip abductors, hip external rotators, knee extensors, and foot inversors; and (3) DKV during SLS. RESULTS: There was a significant negative association between GMax's MT and DKV (r = -0.32; p = 0.01), and between TA's MT and DKV (r = -0.28; p = 0.03). No significant correlations were observed between isometric torques and DKV. Regression analysis found that GMax's MT explained 10% of the DKV's variance during SLS. DISCUSSION: Poor lower limb alignment during SLS is weakly associated with proximal and distal-to-the-knee muscle thicknesses, with no association with isometric torque in PFP women. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that other factors besides strength and muscle thicknesses may explain and improve lower limb alignment in women with PFP.

Is vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism associated with head and neck cancer risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer encompasses neoplasms affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and thyroid. Identifying factors that modulate the carcinogenesis process can aid in identifying subgroups at higher risk of developing the disease, enabling implementation of prevention programs. Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms can affect the carcinogenesis of various tumors by altering vitamin D metabolism and cellular response. METHODS: To elucidate the role of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in head and neck cancer, a systematic review was performed, searching the Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Lilacs databases. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. The frequency of vitamin D receptors polymorphism alleles (FokI, ApaI, BsmI, TaqI, Cdx2, rs2107301, rs2238135) was recorded and pooled to calculate the odds ratio in a meta-analysis using the Review Manager software. RESULTS: Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant associations in the anatomical site of cancer (oral cancer in ApaI and BsmI, and unspecified subsites of head and neck cancer in TaqI), genotyping method (FokI and BsmI), and continent of the study (ApaI, FokI, and BsmI). CONCLUSION: Our findings were heterogeneous, as with other evidence available in the literature. Therefore, more clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to obtain more accurate results on the relationship between vitamin D receptor polymorphism and head and neck cancer.

Alternate routes to mnm5s2U synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria.

The wobble bases of tRNAs that decode split codons are often heavily modified. In bacteria, tRNAGlu, Gln, Asp contains a variety of xnm5s2U derivatives. The synthesis pathway for these modifications is complex and fully elucidated only in a handful of organisms, including the Gram-negative Escherichia coli K12 model. Despite the ubiquitous presence of mnm5s2U modification, genomic analysis shows the absence of mnmC orthologous genes, suggesting the occurrence of alternate biosynthetic schemes for the conversion of cmnm5s2U to mnm5s2U. Using a combination of comparative genomics and genetic studies, a member of the YtqA subgroup of the radical Sam superfamily was found to be involved in the synthesis of mnm5s2U in both Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus mutans. This protein, renamed MnmL, is encoded in an operon with the recently discovered MnmM methylase involved in the methylation of the pathway intermediate nm5s2U into mnm5s2U in B. subtilis. Analysis of tRNA modifications of both S. mutans and Streptococcus pneumoniae shows that growth conditions and genetic backgrounds influence the ratios of pathway intermediates owing to regulatory loops that are not yet understood. The MnmLM pathway is widespread along the bacterial tree, with some phyla, such as Bacilli, relying exclusively on these two enzymes. Although mechanistic details of these newly discovered components are not fully resolved, the occurrence of fusion proteins, alternate arrangements of biosynthetic components, and loss of biosynthetic branches provide examples of biosynthetic diversity to retain a conserved tRNA modification in Nature.IMPORTANCEThe xnm5s2U modifications found in several tRNAs at the wobble base position are widespread in bacteria where they have an important role in decoding efficiency and accuracy. This work identifies a novel enzyme (MnmL) that is a member of a subgroup of the very versatile radical SAM superfamily and is involved in the synthesis of mnm5s2U in several Gram-positive bacteria, including human pathogens. This is another novel example of a non-orthologous displacement in the field of tRNA modification synthesis, showing how different solutions evolve to retain U34 tRNA modifications.

Effects of foam roller on pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of using foam roller on pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This systematic review was registered in the National Institute for Health Research's prospective online registry of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under CRD42023456841. The databases Pubmed, Medline (via Ovid), Embase, BVS, and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) were consulted to carry out this systematic review. Notably, the records of clinical trials characterized as eligible were manually searched. The search terms were: (foam rolling OR foam rolling vibration) AND (acute musculoskeletal pain) AND (chronic musculoskeletal pain). The search was performed until August 22, 2023. For the analysis of the methodological quality, the PEDro scale was used for each of the manuscripts included in the systematic review. Due to the heterogeneity in the studies included in this systematic review, performing a meta-analysis of the analyzed variables was impossible. RESULTS: Only six manuscripts were eligible for data analysis. The type of FR used was non-vibrational, being applied by a therapist in only one of the manuscripts. With an application time ranging from at least 45 s to 15 min, the non-vibrational FR was applied within a day up to six weeks. Using the PEDro scale, scores were assigned that varied between 4 and 8 points, with an average of 6 ± 1.29 points. Only two randomized clinical trials found a significant benefit in pain intensity of adding FR associated with a therapeutic exercise protocol in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome and chronic neck pain. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review do not elucidate or reinforce the clinical use of FR in pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain.

Development and validation of method for the simultaneous determination of sulfamethazine, trimethoprim and doxycycline in veterinary formulation using high performance liquid chromatography.

Sulfamethazine (SMZ), trimethoprim (TMP) and doxycycline (DOXY) are drugs of choice used in the treatment of intestinal and respiratory infections that affect poultry and swine. The aim of this study was develop and validate a simple, sensitive and fast method for the simultaneous determination of SMZ, TMP and DOXY in veterinary formulations by high-performance liquid chromatography. The separation was performed on a Macherey-Nagel C8 analytical column (4 × 125 mm, 5 µm), with a flow rate of 0.5 ml min-1 and detection at 268, 270 and 350 nm, for SMZ, TMP and DOXY, respectively. All measurements were performed in acetonitrile-water (45:55 v/v; pH 3.0). The analytical curves were linear (r > 0.9997) in the concentration range of 5.0-35.0 µg ml-1 for SMZ, 1.0-7.0 µg ml-1 for TMP and 7.0-13.0 µg ml-1 for DOXY. The method proved to be precise, robust, accurate and selective. In accelerated stability, the sample was analyzed for 6 months, with no major variations observed in organoleptic analysis and pH. Therefore, the developed method was proved to be suitable for routine quality control analyses for the simultaneous determination of SMZ, TMP and DOXY in pharmaceutical formulations.

Evaluating Quality Management and Diagnostics Microbiology Performance Within an International External Quality Assessment (EQA) Program Serving National One Health Sector Reference Laboratories Across Asia: Experience Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Strengthening external quality assessment (EQA) services across the One Health sector supports implementation of effective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control strategies. Here we describe and compare 2 different approaches for conducting virtual laboratory follow-up assessments within an EQA program to evaluate quality management system (QMS) and procedures for pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). METHODS: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2021 and 2022, 2 laboratory assessment approaches were introduced: virtual-based and survey-based methodologies. The evaluation of 2 underperforming Animal Health laboratories through a virtual-based approach occurred between May and August 2021. This evaluation encompassed the utilization of 3 online meetings and document reviews, performed subsequent to the execution of EQA procedures. Within a distinct group of laboratories, the survey-based assessment was implemented from December 2021 to February 2022, also following EQA procedures. This phase encompassed the dissemination of an online survey to 31 participating laboratories, alongside a sole online consultation meeting involving 4 specific underperforming laboratories. RESULTS: The virtual-based assessment post-EQA aimed to identify gaps and areas for improvement in the laboratory's practices for pathogen identification and AST. This approach was, however, time-intensive, and, hence, only 2 laboratories were assessed. In addition, limited interactions in virtual platforms compromised the assessment quality. The survey-based post-EQA assessment enabled evaluation of 31 laboratories. Despite limitations for in-depth analysis of each procedure, gaps in QMS across multiple laboratories were identified and tailored laboratory-specific recommendations were provided. CONCLUSIONS: Reliable internet and plans for efficient time management, post-EQA virtual laboratory follow-up assessments are an effective alternative when conducting onsite evaluation is infeasible as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, although the successful implementation of remediation plans will likely require in person assessments. We advocate application of hybrid approaches (both onsite and virtual) for targeted capacity building of AMR procedures with the ability to implement and oversee the process.

Use of Nile tilapia (Oreocromis niloticus) processing residues in the production of pâtés with the addition of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil.

The effect of the use of Nilo tilapia filleting residues in the production of pâtés with the addition of oregano essential oil stored for 90 days at 4 °C was evaluated. For that, 5 treatments were performed as follows: TSA-control treatment; TES with the addition of sodium erythorbate; and formulation TOE1 with 600 ppm oregano essential oil; TOE2 with 1000 ppm essential oil; and TOE3 with 1400 ppm essential oil. The pâtés showed adequate technological and physicochemical characteristics and microbiological counts within the legislation standards. No significant differences were observed in the luminosity of the pâté formulations during storage, and the addition of oil contributed to the increase in a* values and stability of b* values. Regarding the lipid and protein oxidation, TOE3 showed lower values at the end of the shelf-life. The addition of essential oil did not affect the hardness and cohesiveness of the products. The fatty acids in greater amounts in the samples were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. The analysis of biogenic amines indicated that only the treatments with the highest amounts of sodium erythorbate (TES and TOE1) showed losses of spermidine. It was observed that decreasing the inclusion of sodium erythorbate and increasing the inclusion of oregano essential oil resulted in a drop in cadaverine values. A total of 46 volatile compounds were detected in the samples with the highest amount of free fatty acids and all the formulations were well accepted sensorially.

Sulfinamide Formation from the Reaction of Bacillithiol and Nitroxyl.

Bacillithiol (BSH) replaces glutathione (GSH) as the most prominent low-molecular-weight thiol in many low G + C gram-positive bacteria. BSH plays roles in metal binding, protein/enzyme regulation, detoxification, redox buffering, and bacterial virulence. Given the small amounts of BSH isolated from natural sources and relatively lengthy chemical syntheses, the reactions of BSH with pertinent reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species remain largely unexplored. We prepared BSH and exposed it to nitroxyl (HNO), a reactive nitrogen species that influences bacterial sulfur metabolism. The profile of this reaction was distinct from HNO oxidation of GSH, which yielded mixtures of disulfide and sulfinamide. The reaction of BSH and HNO (generated from Angeli's salt) gives only sulfinamide products, including a newly proposed cyclic sulfinamide. Treatment of a glucosamine-cysteine conjugate, which lacks the malic acid group, with HNO forms disulfide, implicating the malic acid group in sulfinamide formation. This finding supports a mechanism involving the formation of an N-hydroxysulfenamide intermediate that dehydrates to a sulfenium ion that can be trapped by water or internally trapped by an amide nitrogen to give the cyclic sulfinamide. The biological relevance of BSH reactivity toward HNO is provided through in vivo experiments demonstrating that Bacillus subtilis exposed to HNO shows a growth phenotype, and a strain unable to produce BSH shows hypersensitivity toward HNO in minimal medium cultures. Thiol analysis of HNO-exposed cultures shows an overall decrease in reduced BSH levels, which is not accompanied by increased levels of BSSB, supporting a model involving the formation of an oxidized sulfinamide derivative, identified in vivo by high-pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Collectively, these findings reveal the unique chemistry and biology of HNO with BSH in bacteria that produce this biothiol.

The alpha-synuclein oligomers activate nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) modulating synaptic homeostasis and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Soluble oligomeric forms of alpha-synuclein (aSyn-O) are believed to be one of the main toxic species in Parkinson's disease (PD) leading to degeneration. aSyn-O can induce Ca2+ influx, over activating downstream pathways leading to PD phenotype. Calcineurin (CN), a phosphatase regulated by Ca2+ levels, activates NFAT transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of neuronal plasticity, growth, and survival. METHODS: Here, using a combination of cell toxicity and gene regulation assays performed in the presence of classical inhibitors of the NFAT/CN pathway, we investigate NFAT's role in neuronal degeneration induced by aSyn-O. RESULTS: aSyn-O are toxic to neurons leading to cell death, loss of neuron ramification and reduction of synaptic proteins which are reversed by CN inhibition with ciclosporin-A or VIVIT, a NFAT specific inhibitor. aSyn-O induce NFAT nuclear translocation and transactivation. We found that aSyn-O modulates the gene involved in the maintenance of synapses, synapsin 1 (Syn 1). Syn1 mRNA and protein and synaptic puncta are drastically reduced in cells treated with aSyn-O which are reversed by NFAT inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time a direct role of NFAT in aSyn-O-induced toxicity and Syn1 gene regulation was demonstrated, enlarging our understanding of the pathways underpinnings synucleinopathies.

Measurement properties of the short version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Assessment instruments play an essential role in the management of knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to verify the clinimetric properties and validate the short version of WOMAC's (SV-WOMAC) knee with two domains, pain (four items) and physical function (eight items) in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KO). METHODS: Reliability and internal consistency Construct, criterion validity, Ceiling, and floor effects analyses were performed. In addition to the SV-WOMAC, the following instruments were used: the numerical rating scale (NRPS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and WOMAC's original version. Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) was used to determine the magnitude of the correlation between the AFAQ and the other instruments. Moreover, the test-retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. In addition, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen subjects with KO were included for validity analysis, and a subsample of 53 subjects was used for test-retest reliability. Adequate reliability and internal consistency were observed with ICC ≥ 0.76, SEM ≤ 1.85, MDC ≥ 5.1, and Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.84. Regarding construct validity, correlations greater than 0.50 were observed with the IKDC, NRPS, and functional domains of the SF-36. The SV-WOMAC showed a correlation > 0.70 with the original version and did not show ceiling and floor effects. CONCLUSION: The SV-WOMAC knee has adequate measurement properties to analyze pain and physical function in Brazilian individuals with KO.

Sustainability approaches for agrowaste solution: Biodegradable packaging and microbial polysaccharides bio-production.

Global growth impacts on the increased use and demand for natural resources, requiring solutions for the high volume of industrial waste and by-products generated from the most diverse commercial areas, mainly the food sector. Among the main residues with a large volume generated, those from fruit processing, grain cleaning in processing units, vegetables, and discards from the animal production industry stood out. Approximately 1.3 billion all food produced worldwide is lost or wasted per year being fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers responsible for about half of the total amount. Many of these by-products have interesting nutrients in their composition such as fibers, proteins, and bioactive compounds. An interesting example is the sugarcane bagasse. Fibrous residue, derived from sugarcane extraction, the bagasse represents about 30-34 % of the total sugarcane mass. This is one of the most abundant cellulosic residues and contains approximately 39 % of cellulose, 28 % of hemicellulose, and 18 % of lignin. Therefore, as well as the bagasse, several residues from agroindustrial can be considered promising alternative substrates, being valuable sources for the development of high-value-added products, such as biopolymers, bioenergy, and chemical products. In addition, the reuse of agroindustrial wastes may be considered an attractive option for reducing the environmental impact caused by their generation. In the case of biopolymers, the energy savings of bio-based polymers is around 20-50 GJ/t of polymer. In this review, we have selected two commercially promising approaches to the application and use of agroindustrial residues, aiming their use for biodegradable packaging and microbial polysaccharides bio-production, improving overall sustainability and economic aspects of the scientific research, technology and modern industry.

The effect of volunteer-led activities on the quality of life of volunteers, residents, and employees of a long-term care institution: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic primarily impacted long-term care facilities by restricting visiting and circulation of visitors, affecting the quality of life (QoL) of older adults living in these institutions. Volunteer activities, essential for older adults' daily life, were also interrupted and potentially negatively impacted the QoL of older adults, volunteers themselves, and also employees in these institutions. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the return of volunteer-led activities in a long-term care institution on the QoL of older adult residents, employees, and volunteers. METHODS: This study used a pre-test and post-test design within the same group. The first round of data collection was conducted before volunteer-led activities returned and the second round after 1 month of return. The instrument used to assess QoL was the EUROHIS-QoL-8 scale. This study was conducted within a nursing home in São Paulo, Brazil, created in 1937 by members of the Israeli community living in Brazil. Volunteer-led activities were part of residents' daily life before the COVID-19 pandemic, when these activities were interrupted for about 20 months. A total of 79 individuals participated in both rounds (pre and post), of which: 29 residents, 27 volunteers, and 23 employees of the long-term care institution. RESULTS: Using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the analyses indicated improvements after the 1 month return in different QoL aspects for the three groups. Volunteers improved their personal relationships (Z - 2.332, p < .05), residents their overall health (Z - 2.409, p < .05) and employees in their overall QoL perception (Z - 2.714, p < .05). Influencing factors for residents were the number of activities (3 or more), gender (male), and education (undergraduate/graduate). For employees, those who assumed additional activities due to the volunteer-led activities interruption had a significant impact on their overall QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this study suggests that volunteers' return positively impacted different QoL aspects for volunteers, residents, and employees.

Inter- and intra-island speciation and their morphological and ecological correlates in Aeonium (Crassulaceae), a species-rich Macaronesian radiation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The most species-rich and ecologically diverse plant radiation on the Canary Islands is the Aeonium alliance (Crassulaceae). In island radiations like this, speciation can take place either within islands or following dispersal between islands. Aiming at quantifying intra- and inter-island speciation events in the evolution of Aeonium, and exploring their consequences, we hypothesized that (1) intra-island diversification resulted in stronger ecological divergence of sister lineages, and that (2) taxa on islands with a longer history of habitation by Aeonium show stronger ecological differentiation and produce fewer natural hybrids. METHODS: We studied the biogeographical and ecological setting of diversification processes in Aeonium with a fully sampled and dated phylogeny inferred using a ddRADseq approach. Ancestral areas and biogeographical events were reconstructed in BioGeoBEARS. Eleven morphological characters and three habitat characteristics were taken into account to quantify the morphological and ecological divergence between sister lineages. A co-occurrence matrix of all Aeonium taxa is presented to assess the spatial separation of taxa on each island. KEY RESULTS: We found intra- and inter-island diversification events in almost equal numbers. In lineages that diversified within single islands, morphological and ecological divergence was more pronounced than in lineages derived from inter-island diversification, but only the difference in morphological divergence was significant. Those islands with the longest history of habitation by Aeonium had the lowest percentages of co-occurring and hybridizing taxon pairs compared with islands where Aeonium arrived later. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate the importance of both inter- and intra-island speciation, the latter of which is potentially sympatric speciation. Speciation on the same island entailed significantly higher levels of morphological divergence compared with inter-island speciation, but ecological divergence was not significantly different. Longer periods of shared island habitation resulted in the evolution of a higher degree of spatial separation and stronger reproductive barriers.

Cephalometric effects of Twin-block and van Beek Headgear-Activator in the correction of Class II malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The Twin-block (TB) and the van Beek Headgear-Activator (vBHGA) are indicated for patients with Class II malocclusion with a retrognathic mandible. Although the former is commonly prescribed for horizontally growing patients, the latter is often recommended for those growing vertically. This study aimed to compare the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft-tissue short-term effects of TB and vBHGA, taking growth patterns into account. METHODS: Immediate prefunctional (T1) and postfunctional appliance (T2) lateral cephalometric radiographs were retrospectively obtained for vBHGA (n = 46), TB (n = 45), and untreated control (n = 45) groups. The interaction of several variables at T1, T2, and T2 - T1, as well as the resultant treatment effect, were analyzed using the analysis of covariance regression models at the 5% significance level. RESULTS: Except for a greater reduction in Wits measurement (3.0 mm; P <0.0001) in the TB group, no anteroposterior (AP) skeletal difference was observed between the 2 appliances (ANB, 0.530; P = 0.07) (Harvold, 0.13 mm; P = 0.81). Both improved the AP skeletal relationship (ANB and Harvold) compared with the control (P <0.05). Although this mostly occurred because of the forward positioning of the mandible with the TB (SNB, 0.960; P = 0.01), the maxillary restriction was the main mechanism with the vBHGA (SNA, 1.590; P <0.01). Dentoalveolar compensations were more pronounced with the TB (IMPA, 1.92; P = 0.02), leading to greater overbite and overjet correction. Only the inclination of the maxillary incisors showed interaction with the growth pattern, with the TB horizontal growers experiencing more retroclination (U1-NA°. 3.620; P = 0.0067). CONCLUSIONS: Both appliances produced similar modest AP skeletal changes that, together with dentoalveolar compensations, were able to correct the Class II malocclusion regardless of growth pattern.

Synthesis of TiO2 graphene oxide-based material for textile effluent decontamination: characterization, kinetic, and mechanism studies.

In this work, a hydrothermal method was proposed to fabricate a nanomaterial composed of titanium dioxide and graphene oxide (10 wt%) (TiO2-GO). The GO was synthesized according to the modified Hummers and Offeman method, followed by exfoliation. Several characterization analyses were performed in order to investigate the structure, functional groups, and elemental composition of the nanomaterial. XRD analysis showed that the presence of GO does not change the crystalline structure of TiO2. FTIR evidenced the characteristic peaks present in both precursor materials (TiO2 and GO) and EDX confirmed the presence of GO on the TiO2-GO material. The nanomaterial was used as a photocatalyst in the TWW treatment, where the color and COD removal and the decrease of the characteristic peaks presented in the UV-Vis spectrum were investigated. The dosages of TiO2-GO and pH were studied to find the optimum operating condition. The results revealed that 0.5 g of photocatalyst with an initial pH of 3 achieve the best results under UV-A radiation. The kinetic test shows a COD removal of 87% after 90 min. The reuse test shows a decrease in COD removal after four cycles attributed to the deposition of some oxidized compounds on the catalyst surface. Finally, the efficiency of the photocatalyst was evaluated under solar radiation and it was shown that despite the good results, the performance of the TiO2-GO was better under UV-A radiation.

Alternate routes to mnm 5 s 2 U synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria.

The wobble bases of tRNAs that decode split codons are often heavily modified. In Bacteria tRNA Glu, Gln, Asp contain a variety of xnm 5 s 2 U derivatives. The synthesis pathway for these modifications is complex and fully elucidated only in a handful of organisms, including the Gram-negative Escherichia coli K12 model. Despite the ubiquitous presence of mnm 5 s 2 U modification, genomic analysis shows the absence of mnmC orthologous genes, suggesting the occurrence of alternate biosynthetic schemes for the installation of this modification. Using a combination of comparative genomics and genetic studies, a member of the YtqA subgroup of the Radical Sam superfamily was found to be involved in the synthesis of mnm 5 s 2 U in both Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus mutans . This protein, renamed MnmL, is encoded in an operon with the recently discovered MnmM methylase involved in the methylation of the pathway intermediate nm 5 s 2 U into mnm 5 s 2 U in B. subtilis . Analysis of tRNA modifications of both S. mutans and Streptococcus pneumoniae shows that growth conditions and genetic backgrounds influence the ratios of pathways intermediates in regulatory loops that are not yet understood. The MnmLM pathway is widespread along the bacterial tree, with some phyla, such as Bacilli, relying exclusively on these two enzymes. The occurrence of fusion proteins, alternate arrangements of biosynthetic components, and loss of biosynthetic branches provide examples of biosynthetic diversity to retain a conserved tRNA modification in nature. Importance: The xnm 5 s 2 U modifications found in several tRNAs at the wobble base position are widespread in Bacteria where they have an important role in decoding efficiency and accuracy. This work identifies a novel enzyme (MnmL) that is a member of a subgroup of the very versatile Radical SAM superfamily and is involved in the synthesis of mnm 5 s 2 U in several Gram-positive bacteria, including human pathogens. This is another novel example of a non-orthologous displacement in the field of tRNA modification synthesis, showing how different solutions evolve to retain U34 tRNA modifications.

Plant growth forms dictate adaptations to the local climate.

Adaptive radiation is a significant driver of biodiversity. Primarily studied in animal systems, mechanisms that trigger adaptive radiations remain poorly understood in plants. A frequently claimed indicator of adaptive radiation in plants is growth form diversity when tied to the occupation of different habitats. However, it remains obscure whether morphological adaptations manifest as growth form diversity per se or as its constituent traits. We use the classic Aeonium radiation from the Canary Islands to ask whether adaptation across climatic space is structured by growth form evolution. Using morphological sampling with site-associated climate in a phylogenetic context, we find that growth forms dictate adaptations to the local environment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the response of specific traits to analogous environments is antagonistic when growth forms are different. This finding suggests for the first time that growth forms represent particular ecological functions, allowing the co-occurrence of closely related species, being a product of divergent selection during evolution in sympatry.

Association between adherence to a home exercise program and central sensitization, pain intensity, and functionality in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between adherence to a home exercise program and central sensitization, pain intensity, and functionality in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 57 individuals with KOA. Evaluations were performed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), the numerical rating scale (NRPS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), and the 30 sec sit and stand test (30SSST). Histograms were created to determine the normality of the data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine the normality of the data. Thus, Pearson's (r) and determination (R2) correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the strength of associations between variables. RESULTS: No significant association was found between adherence behavior or reasons for adherence and central sensitization symptoms, the intensity of pain on rest and movement, knee disability symptoms, and functionality. CONCLUSION: No significant association was identified between adherence to a home exercise program and central sensitization, pain intensity, and functionality in individuals with KOA.

Can we replace exercises targeted on core/hip muscles by exercises targeted on leg/foot muscles in women with patellofemoral pain? A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of replacing exercises targeted on core/hip muscles by exercises targeted on leg/foot muscles in a rehabilitation program for patellofemoral pain (PFP). DESIGN: Randomized Controlled Trial. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty women with PFP. METHODS: PFP participants were randomized into the standard rehabilitation group (SRG, n = 25) or distal exercise group (DEG, n = 25). Knee pain, patient-reported function, dynamic knee valgus and muscle strength were measured at baseline and after six and twelve weeks of the program start. RESULTS: SRG and DEG presented similar responses to rehabilitation (except for muscle strengthening). Knee pain reduced after 6 weeks (SRG: -37.7%, ES = 1.23; DEG: -30%, ES = 0.93) and 12 weeks (SRG: -47.4%, ES = 1.53; DEG: -43.3%, ES = 1.46). Patient-reported function improved after 6 weeks (SRG: +7.3%, ES = 0.45; DEG: +3.8%, ES = 0.22) and 12 weeks (SRG: +14.1%, ES = 0.80; DEG: +8.8%, ES = 0.50). Dynamic knee valgus reduced after 12 weeks (SRG: -29.7%, ES = 0.38; DEG: -34.5%, ES = 0.32). Both groups experienced increases in knee extension strength (SRG: +9%, ES = 0.28; DEG: +6%, ES = -0.29), but only SRG had strength gains for hip abduction (+10%, ES = 0.36) and extension (+11%, ES = 0.44). CONCLUSION: Exercises targeted on core/hip muscles can be replaced by exercises targeted on leg/foot muscles in a lower limb exercise-based rehabilitation program for women with PFP. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03663595.

Absence of N-Acetylglucosamine Glycosylation on Listeria monocytogenes Wall Teichoic Acids Promotes Fatty Acid Tolerance by Repulsion From the Bacterial Surface.

Free fatty acids (FFAs) have strong antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria and are known as natural protective agents against bacterial infections. Growth of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is highly affected by the presence of antimicrobial FFAs, however, the response of L. monocytogenes toward FFAs is not fully understood. Here, we explore how L. monocytogenes gains tolerance toward FFAs and present a novel mechanism conferring bacterial protection against FFA toxicity. Strains tolerant against the antimicrobial FFA palmitoleic acid were isolated and whole genome sequenced, and mutations were found in genes involved in wall teichoic acid (WTA) glycosylations. We show that mutation or deletion of lmo1079, which is essential for N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) glycosylation of WTAs, confer tolerance against several antimicrobial FFAs. The FFA tolerant strains are lacking GlcNAc on their WTAs, which result in a more hydrophilic surface. In line with this, we observed a reduced binding of FFAs to the surface of the FFA tolerant strains. Additionally, lack of GlcNAc on WTAs confers tolerance toward acid stress. Altogether, these findings support that GlcNAc modification of WTA plays an important role in the response of L. monocytogenes toward stress conditions encountered during growth as a saprophyte and pathogen, including FFA-rich environments. Most importantly, our data revealed that L. monocytogenes strains lacking GlcNAc on their WTAs are protected against FFA toxicity, because the FFAs are repulsed from the bacterial surface of GlcNAc-deficient strains.