Correction: In-season internal and external training load quantification of an elite European soccer team.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209393.].

Updating Exercise Testing Strategies and Exercise Prescription Protocols.

Exercise testing and prescription is still a hot topic [...].

Involvement of the JAK-STAT pathway in the molecular landscape of tyrosine kinase fusion-negative hypereosinophilic syndromes: A nationwide CEREO study.

We investigated using a custom NGS panel of 149 genes the mutational landscape of 64 consecutive adult patients with tyrosine kinase fusion-negative hypereosinophilia (HE)/hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) harboring features suggestive of myeloid neoplasm. At least one mutation was reported in 50/64 (78%) patients (compared to 8/44 (18%) patients with idiopathic HE/HES/HEUS used as controls; p < .001). Thirty-five patients (54%) had at least one mutation involving the JAK-STAT pathway, including STAT5B (n = 18, among which the hotspot N642H, n = 13), JAK1 (indels in exon 13, n = 5; V658F/L, n = 2), and JAK2 (V617F, n = 6; indels in exon 13, n = 2). Other previously undescribed somatic mutations were also found in JAK2, JAK1, STAT5B, and STAT5A, including three patients who shared the same STAT5A V707fs mutation and features consistent with primary polycythemia. Nearly all JAK-STAT mutations were preceded by (or associated with) myelodysplasia-related gene mutations, especially in RNA-splicing genes or chromatin modifiers. In multivariate analysis, neurologic involvement (hazard ratio [HR] 4.95 [1.87-13.13]; p = .001), anemia (HR 5.50 [2.24-13.49]; p < .001), and the presence of a high-risk mutation (as per the molecular international prognosis scoring system: HR 6.87 [2.39-19.72]; p < .001) were independently associated with impaired overall survival. While corticosteroids were ineffective in all treated JAK-STAT-mutated patients, ruxolitinib showed positive hematological responses including in STAT5A-mutated patients. These findings emphasize the usefulness of NGS for the workup of tyrosine kinase fusion-negative HE/HES patients and support the use of JAK inhibitors in this setting. Updated classifications could consider patients with JAK-STAT mutations and eosinophilia as a new "gene mutated-entity" that could be differentiated from CEL, NOS, and idiopathic HES.

Sonocatalytic Activity of Porous Carbonaceous Materials for the Selective Oxidation of 4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzyl Alcohol.

Selective oxidation, which is crucial in diverse chemical industries, transforms harmful chemicals into valuable compounds. Heterogeneous sonocatalysis, an emerging sustainable approach, urges in-depth exploration. In this work, we investigated N-doped or non-doped carbonaceous materials as alternatives to scarce, economically sensitive metal-based catalysts. Having synthesized diverse carbons using a hard-template technique, we subjected them to sonication at frequencies of 22, 100, 500, and 800 kHz with a 50% amplitude. Sonochemical reaction catalytic tests considerably increased the catalytic activity of C-meso (non-doped mesoporous carbon material). The scavenger test showed a radical formation when this catalyst was used. N-doped carbons did not show adequate and consistent sonoactivity for the selective oxidation of 4-Hydroxy-3,5 dimethoxybenzyl alcohol in comparison with control conditions without sonication, which might be associated with an acid-base interaction between the catalysts and the substrate and sonoactivity prohibition by piridinic nitrogen in N-doped catalysts.

Tuning the Chemical and Electrochemical Properties of Paper-Based Carbon Electrodes by Pyrolysis of Polydopamine.

Electrochemical paper-based analytical devices represent an important platform for portable, low-cost, affordable, and decentralized diagnostics. For this kind of application, chemical functionalization plays a pivotal role to ensure high clinical performance by tuning surface properties and the area of electrodes. However, controlling different surface properties of electrodes by using a single functionalization route is still challenging. In this work, we attempted to tune the wettability, chemical composition, and electroactive area of carbon-paper-based devices by thermally treating polydopamine (PDA) at different temperatures. PDA films were deposited onto pyrolyzed paper (PP) electrodes and thermally treated in the range of 300-1000 °C. After deposition of PDA, the surface is rich in nitrogen and oxygen, it is superhydrophilic, and it has a high electroactive area. As the temperature increases, the surface becomes hydrophobic, and the electroactive area decreases. The surface modifications were followed by Raman, X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), electrical measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical experiments. In addition, the chemical composition of nitrogen species can be tuned on the surface. As a proof of concept, we employed PDA-treated surfaces to anchor [AuCl4]- ions. After electrochemical reduction, we observed that it is possible to control the size of the nanoparticles on the surface. Our route opens a new avenue to add versatility to electrochemical interfaces in the field of paper-based electrochemical biosensors.

Seeing further into the early steps of the endangered atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara): Eye lenses high resolution isotopic profiles reveal ontogenetic trophic and habitat shifts.

Estuarine mangroves are often considered nurseries for the Atlantic Goliath grouper juveniles. Yet, the contributions of different estuarine primary producers and habitats as sources of organic matter during early ontogenetic development remain unclear. Given the species' critically endangered status and protection in Brazil, obtaining biological samples from recently settled recruits in estuaries is challenging. In this study, we leveraged a local partnership with fishers and used stable isotope (C and N) profiles from the eye lenses of stranded individuals or incidentally caught by fishery to reconstruct the trophic and habitat changes of small juveniles. The eye lens grows by the apposition of protein-rich layers. Once these layers are formed, they become inert, allowing to make inferences on the trophic ecology and habitat use along the development of the individual until its capture. We used correlations between fish size and the entire eye lens size, along with estuarine baselines, to reconstruct the fish size and trophic positions for each of the lens layers obtained. We then used dominant primary producers and basal sources from mangrove sheltered, exposed estuarine and marine habitats to construct an ontogenetic model of trophic and habitat support changes since maternal origins. Our model revealed marine support before the juveniles reached 25 mm (standard length), followed by a rapid increase in reliance on mangrove sheltered sources, coinciding with the expected size at settlement. After reaching 60 mm, individuals began to show variability. Some remained primarily supported by the mangrove sheltered area, while others shifted to rely more on the exposed estuarine area around 150 mm. Our findings indicate that while mangroves are critical for settlement, as Goliath grouper juveniles grow, they can utilize organic matter produced throughout the estuary. This underscores the need for conservation strategies that focus on seascape connectivity, as protecting just one discrete habitat may not be sufficient to preserve this endangered species and safeguard its ecosystem functions.

Electricity consumption dataset of a local energy cooperative.

Real-world data collections are generally not easily available. Energy measurements from buildings, houses and other devices can be used within different areas of research while being employed to plan or train models, allowing the improvement of power grid energy efficiency or providing more insight on how an energy community can work. This paper provides a dataset concerning a Portuguese community of 172 households that are geographically close to each other, enabling the establishment of relationships among buildings and the analysis of a community's power consumption. In addition to the consumed energy values, the related local weather information is included in the data. The intersection of weather data and energy measurements can be helpful to train AI models, contributing to explain variations in energy consumption and the absolute values of the energy readings. The inclusion of these weather parameters aims to unveil features that can correlate to the energy measurements, enabling them to be used in multiple areas of research. Hence, it will provide added value to the data as it can be reused to explore Machine Learning algorithms or community energy planning by grid operators.

Effect of Adding Red Propolis to Edible Biodegradable Protein Films for Coating Grapes: Shelf Life and Sensory Analysis.

Red propolis is an active ingredient of great nutritional interest which offers numerous benefits as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the application of an edible and antimicrobial gelatine coating containing red propolis to increase the shelf life of grapes. Gelatine films with an addition of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% of red propolis extract were produced to evaluate their antimicrobial activity using the disk diffusion test in solid media. The films with 25% red propolis extract showed antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The grapes were coated with pure gelatine, without a plasticizer and with gelatine with 25% red propolis and then stored for 1, 4, 10, 19 and 25 days at temperatures of 25 °C and 5 °C. The results showed that the gelatine coating with propolis reduced the mass loss of grapes stored at 25 °C for 19 days by 7.82% and by 21.20% for those kept at 5 °C for 25 days. The pH, total titratable acidity, soluble solids and color of the grapes increased due to the ripening process. Furthermore, the sensory acceptability indexes of the refrigerated grapes with coatings were superior (>78%) to those of the control samples (38%), proving the effectiveness of the coatings in maintaining the quality of grapes during storage.

Distribution of acid-volatile sulfides and simultaneously extracted metals in Guanabara Bay: combination of anthropogenic, sedimentological, and geochemical processes.

Coastal sedimentary systems are affected by continental and marine metal pollutant inputs associated with different hydrodynamic characteristics and geochemical processes. These include the formation of acid-volatile sulfides (AVS) within sediments, which affects metal bioavailability and associated aquatic biota toxicity risks. Physicochemical changes in these environments in the face of extreme natural or man-made environmental influences can dramatically alter metal bioavailability and toxicity through metal binding and immobilization as insoluble sulfides. Surface sediments from Guanabara Bay, river mouths, and two mangrove areas were collected, and AVS and simultaneously extracted metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn and ΣSEM were determined to assess sediment quality. A severe eutrophication history favored AVS concentrations exceeding or close to the sum-SEM concentrations, demonstrating that AVS play an important role in making trace metals unavailable for assimilation by living organisms, mitigating the risks of contamination for the local biota. This eutrophication-driven sulfide accumulation may attenuate the sediment toxicity in sites heavily polluted by metals, while some fewer eutrophic sites became more exposed to metals in excess to AVS.

Contemporary practices of Portuguese and Brazilian soccer coaches in designing and applying small-sided games.

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the current practices of Portuguese and Brazilian soccer coaches in the design and implementation of small-sided games (SSGs) in soccer. A total of 187 male coaches participated in the online survey, consisting of 82 Portuguese and 105 Brazilian individuals. These coaches held various positions within the technical staff, with 63 serving as head coaches, 38 as assistant coaches, 38 as physical trainers, and 48 in other roles related to the technical staff. Additionally, the participants represented both youth (n = 102) and adult competitive levels (n = 59), along with some who were not currently associated with a specific group. The survey consisted of 32 questions divided into three main sections: (i) the timing of SSG application, (ii) the methods used for applying SSGs, and (iii) the reasons for applying SSGs. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between nationality and the frequency of SSGs used in training sessions during the pre-season (p = 0.039) and in-season (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant association between nationality and the time allocated to employing SSGs for targeting aerobic training (p < 0.001) was found. There was a significant association between nationality and the weekly frequency of SSGs use for targeting sprint training (p = 0.019). The Chi-square test identified significant associations between nationality and the use of SSGs for targeting technical training (p = 0.002), as well as for tactical training (p = 0.002). In summary, this study underscores that SSGs are primarily employed to enhance aerobic fitness, change of direction, technical skills, and tactical behaviors. Coaches generally favor employing SSGs two to three times a week, with typical sessions lasting between 16 to 30 minutes. Notably, the major discrepancies between nationalities lie in the importance assigned to the use of SSGs. However, in practice, the formats and objectives for implementing SSGs remain relatively similar.

Physicochemical variables influencing the abundance of Atlantic goliath grouper juveniles (Epinephelus itajara) in a tropical Brazilian mangrove habitat.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the abundance and occurrence of juvenile Atlantic goliath grouper and physicochemical variables in a tropical mangrove ecosystem, employing a non-lethal methodology. Juvenile Atlantic goliath grouper individuals were captured biweekly, using blue crab traps, across three locations within the São Mateus estuary (18°36'S, 39°44'W), from August 2021 to July 2022. Simultaneously, the physicochemical water variables were assessed during each trap inspection. The physicochemical water variables influence on the abundance and occurrence of Atlantic goliath grouper juveniles were assessed using the Zero-Inflated Binomial (ZIB) and the Poisson (ZIP) generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs). A total of 66 Atlantic goliath grouper juveniles were sampled (Pontal do Sul = 50, Lagoa Creek = 13, and Pitangueiras Creek = 3), ranging from 32 to 319 mm in total length. The best model fitted to presence-absence data (AIC = 278.6) consisted of location, depth, and salinity, with only location having a significant influence on the likelihood of species occurrence. Regarding abundance data, the best model (AIC = 336.4) included location, depth, and turbidity, with only location and depth showing a significant impact on abundance variation, with lower abundance at deeper areas. Although our results indicate a weak significant influence of physicochemical variables on juvenile Atlantic goliath grouper distribution, it is imperative to continue this monitoring effort, considering that additional data may be required to gain a deeper understanding of these patterns.

Multipurpose arrowroot starch films with anthocyanin-rich grape pomace extract: Color migration for food simulants and monitoring the freshness of fish meat.

Extraction of anthocyanins from grape pomace, is a way of valuing these abundant by-products with low added value. Its integration into films may allow it to be used in bioactive packaging, which creates new color and solubility properties for food and smart food packaging which tracks the freshness of fish. Films of arrowroot starch added with different concentrations of grape pomace extract (GPE) were flexible to handle, reddish and presented a high content of anthocyanins. The water vapor permeability increased by 17 %, while the tensile strength of arrowroot starch film decreased by 79 % with the addition of 40 % GPE. The addition of GPE increased the solubility of the starch film in aqueous and lipid food simulants by 121 and 119 %. The GPE pigment preferentially migrated to the aqueous simulant due to the hydrophilic nature of anthocyanins and starch. The GPE film showed distinguishable color changes in different pH buffer solutions from pink at pH 2 to light blue at pH 7 and slightly yellowish green at pH 10. When the composite films were monitored for fish meat freshness, the change in color of the film from reddish pink to slightly green after 96 h of storage at 25 °C was evident.

Shifts in plant functional groups along an aridity gradient in a tropical dry forest.

Increasing aridity associated with climate change may lead to the crossing of critical ecosystem thresholds in drylands, compromising ecosystem services for millions of people. In this context, finding tools to detect at early stages the effects of increasing aridity on ecosystems is extremely urgent to avoid irreversible damage. Here, we assess shifts in plant community functional structure along a spatial aridity gradient in tropical dryland (Brazilian Caatinga), to select the most appropriate plant functional groups as ecological indicators likely useful to predict temporal ecosystem trajectories in response to aridity. We identified seven plant functional groups based on 13 functional traits associated with plant establishment, defense, regeneration, and dispersal, whose relative abundances changed, linearly and non-linearly, with increasing aridity, showing either increasing or decreasing trends. Of particular importance is the increase in abundance of plants with high chemical defense and Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthetic pathway, with increasing aridity. We propose the use of these functional groups as early warning indicators to detect aridity impacts on these dryland ecosystems and shifts in ecosystem functioning. This information can also be used in the elaboration of mitigation and ecological restoration measures to prevent and revert current and future climate change impacts on tropical dry forests.

Genetic variation of FcγRIIa induces higher uptake of Leishmania infantum and modulates cytokine production by adherent mononuclear cells in vitro.

Introduction: Single nucleotide variations (SNVs) are specific genetic variations that commonly occur in a population and often do not manifest phenotypically. However, depending on their location and the type of nucleotide exchanged, an SNV can alter or inhibit the function of the gene in which it occurs. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) receptor genes have exhibited several polymorphisms, including rs1801274, which is found in the FcgRIIa gene. The replacement of A with T results in a Histidine (H) to Arginine (R) substitution, altering the affinity of the IgG receptor for IgG subtypes and C-reactive protein (CRP). In this study, we analyzed rs1801274 and its functional implications concerning L. Infantum uptake and cytokine production. Methods: We genotyped 201 individuals from an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis to assess the presence of rs1801274 using Taqman probes for a candidate gene study. Additionally, we included seventy individuals from a non-endemic area for a functional study. Subsequently, we isolated and cultivated one-week adherent mononuclear cells (AMCs) derived from the peripheral blood of participants residing in the non-endemic region in the presence of L. infantum promastigotes, with and without antigen-specific IgG and/or CRP. We analyzed the rate of phagocytosis and the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 p70, IL-1b, IL- 6, and IL-8 in the culture supernatants. Results and discussion: In participants from the endemic region, the A/G (H/R isoform) heterozygous genotype was significantly associated with susceptibility to the disease. Furthermore, SNVs induced a change in the phagocytosis rate in an opsonin-dependent manner. Opsonization with IgG increased the production of IL-10, TNF-a, and IL-6 in AMCs with the H/R isoform, followed by a decrease in NO production. The results presented here suggest that the rs1801274 polymorphism is linked to a higher susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis.

A molecular approach to triple-negative breast cancer: targeting the Notch signaling pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. This phenotype renders triple-negative breast cancer cells refractory to conventional therapies, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have implicated dysregulation of the Notch receptor signaling pathway in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify potential therapeutic targets of the Notch pathway. Our analysis focused on the upstream and downstream components of this pathway to identify potential therapeutic targets. RESULTS: Modulating the Notch signaling pathway may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Several potential therapeutic targets within this pathway are in the early stages of development, including upstream (such as Notch ligands) and downstream (including specific molecules involved in triple-negative breast cancer growth). These targets represent potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in triple-negative breast cancer. COMMENTS: Additional research specifically addressing issues related to toxicity and improving drug delivery methods is critical for the successful translation of these potential therapeutic targets into effective treatments for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

CALR-mutated patients with low allele burden represent a specific subtype of essential thrombocythemia: A study on behalf of FIM and GBMHM.

A low allele burden (i.e., <20%) of the CALR driver mutation is found in 10.8% of CALR-mutated MPNs, mostly in essential thrombocythemia, and correlates with a milder phenotype and a more indolent evolution compared to patients with an allele burden ≥20%.

Fingering stabilization and adhesion force in the lifting flow with a fluid annulus.

The lifting Hele-Shaw cell flow commonly involves the stretching of a viscous oil droplet surrounded by air, in the confined space between two parallel plates. As the upper plate is lifted, viscous fingering instabilities emerge at the air-oil interface. Such an interfacial instability phenomenon is widely observed in numerous technological and industrial applications, being quite difficult to control. Motivated by the recent interest in controlling and stabilizing the Saffman-Taylor instability in lifting Hele-Shaw flows, we propose an alternative way to restrain the development of interfacial disturbances in this gap-variable system. Our method modifies the traditional plate-lifting flow arrangement by introducing a finite fluid annulus layer encircling the central oil droplet, and separating it from the air. A second-order, perturbative mode-coupling approach is employed to analyze morphological and stability behaviors in this three-fluid, two-interface, doubly connected system. Our findings indicate that the intermediate fluid ring can significantly stabilize the interface of the central oil droplet. We show that the effectiveness of this stabilization protocol relies on the appropriate choice of the ring's viscosity and thickness. Furthermore, we calculate the adhesion force required to detach the plates, and find that it does not change significantly with the addition of the fluid envelope as long as it is sufficiently thin. Finally, we detect no distinction in the adhesion force computed for stable or unstable annular interfaces, indicating that the presence of fingering at the ring's boundaries has a negligible effect on the adhesion force.

Critical transitions in the Amazon forest system.

The possibility that the Amazon forest system could soon reach a tipping point, inducing large-scale collapse, has raised global concern1-3. For 65 million years, Amazonian forests remained relatively resilient to climatic variability. Now, the region is increasingly exposed to unprecedented stress from warming temperatures, extreme droughts, deforestation and fires, even in central and remote parts of the system1. Long existing feedbacks between the forest and environmental conditions are being replaced by novel feedbacks that modify ecosystem resilience, increasing the risk of critical transition. Here we analyse existing evidence for five major drivers of water stress on Amazonian forests, as well as potential critical thresholds of those drivers that, if crossed, could trigger local, regional or even biome-wide forest collapse. By combining spatial information on various disturbances, we estimate that by 2050, 10% to 47% of Amazonian forests will be exposed to compounding disturbances that may trigger unexpected ecosystem transitions and potentially exacerbate regional climate change. Using examples of disturbed forests across the Amazon, we identify the three most plausible ecosystem trajectories, involving different feedbacks and environmental conditions. We discuss how the inherent complexity of the Amazon adds uncertainty about future dynamics, but also reveals opportunities for action. Keeping the Amazon forest resilient in the Anthropocene will depend on a combination of local efforts to end deforestation and degradation and to expand restoration, with global efforts to stop greenhouse gas emissions.

Comparative clinical and molecular landscape of primary and secondary myelofibrosis: Superior performance of MIPSS70+ v2.0 over MYSEC-PM.

Comparative clinical characteristics, molecular landscape and prognosis scoring for primary (PMF) and secondary myelofibrosis (SMF).