Correction: Influence of the carbazole moiety in self-assembling molecules as selective contacts in perovskite solar cells: interfacial charge transfer kinetics and solar-to-energy efficiency effects.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D3NA00811H.].

Plant U-Box 4 regulates chloroplast stress signaling and programmed cell death via Salicylic acid modulation.

In response to environmental stress, chloroplasts generate reactive oxygen species, including singlet oxygen (1O2), which regulates nuclear gene expression (retrograde signaling), chloroplast turnover, and programmed cell death (PCD). Yet, the central signaling mechanisms and downstream responses remain poorly understood. The Arabidopsis thaliana plastid ferrochelatase two (fc2) mutant conditionally accumulates 1O2 and involves Plant U-Box 4 (PUB4), a cytoplasmic E3 ubiquitin ligase, in propagating these signals. To gain insights into 1O2 signaling pathways, we compared transcriptomes of fc2 and fc2 pub4 mutants. The accumulation of 1O2 in fc2 plants broadly repressed genes involved in chloroplast function and photosynthesis, while 1O2 induced genes and transcription factors involved in abiotic and biotic stress, the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA), and Salicylic acid (SA). Elevated JA and SA levels were observed in stressed fc2 plants, but were not responsible for PCD. pub4 reversed the majority of 1O2-induced gene expression in fc2 and reduced the JA content, but maintained elevated levels of SA even in the absence of 1O2 stress. Reducing SA levels in fc2 pub4 restored 1O2 signaling and light sensitivity. Together, this work demonstrates that SA plays a protective role during photo-oxidative stress and that PUB4 mediates 1O2 signaling by modulating its levels.

Taboo language across the globe: A multi-lab study.

The use of taboo words represents one of the most common and arguably universal linguistic behaviors, fulfilling a wide range of psychological and social functions. However, in the scientific literature, taboo language is poorly characterized, and how it is realized in different languages and populations remains largely unexplored. Here we provide a database of taboo words, collected from different linguistic communities (Study 1, N = 1046), along with their speaker-centered semantic characterization (Study 2, N = 455 for each of six rating dimensions), covering 13 languages and 17 countries from all five permanently inhabited continents. Our results show that, in all languages, taboo words are mainly characterized by extremely low valence and high arousal, and very low written frequency. However, a significant amount of cross-country variability in words' tabooness and offensiveness proves the importance of community-specific sociocultural knowledge in the study of taboo language.

Activation of stress-response genes by retrograde signaling-mediated destabilization of nuclear importin IMPα-9 and its interactor TPR2.

Stress-induced retrograde signal transmission from the plastids to the nucleus has long puzzled plant biologists. To address this, we performed a suppressor screen of the ceh1 mutant, which contains elevated 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-2,4-cyclopyrophosphate (MEcPP) levels, and identified the gain-of-function mutant impα-9, which shows reversed dwarfism and suppressed expression of stress-response genes in the ceh1 background despite heightened MEcPP. Subsequent genetic and biochemical analyses established that the accumulation of MEcPP initiates an upsurge in Arabidopsis SKP1-like 1 (ASK1) abundance, a pivotal component in the proteasome degradation pathway. This increase in ASK1 prompts the degradation of IMPα-9. Moreover, we uncovered a protein-protein interaction between IMPα-9 and TPR2, a transcriptional co-suppressor and found that a reduction in IMPα-9 levels coincides with a decrease in TPR2 abundance. Significantly, the interaction between IMPα-9 and TPR2 was disrupted in impα-9 mutants, highlighting the critical role of a single amino acid alteration in maintaining their association. Disruption of their interaction results in the reversal of MEcPP-associated phenotypes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing analyses revealed that TPR2 binds globally to stress-response genes and suggested that IMPα-9 associates with the chromatin. They function together to suppress the expression of stress-response genes under normal conditions, but this suppression is alleviated in response to stress through the degradation of the suppressing machinery. The biological relevance of our discoveries was validated under high light stress, marked by MEcPP accumulation, elevated ASK1 levels, IMPα-9 degredation, reduced TPR2 abundance, and subsequent activation of a network of stress-response genes. In summary, our study collectively unveils fresh insights into plant adaptive mechanisms, highlighting intricate interactions among retrograde signaling, the proteasome, and nuclear transport machinery.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as the primary manifestation of decompensated Graves' disease.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning, usually observed in postmenopausal women after a stressful event. We discuss a rare presentation of TCM induced by thyrotoxicosis secondary to Graves' disease. This case raises interesting questions about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of TCM. Learning objectives: 1. To recognize hyperthyroidism as a possible etiology of takutsubo cardiomyopathy.2. To identify the effect of radioiodine contrast on diagnosis of some types of takutsubo cardiomyopathy.

Electrochemical Synthesis of a Sitagliptin Precursor.

A novel synthesis of sitagliptin based on a redox-active ester derived from the chiral pool is reported. The key step is an electrochemical nickel-catalyzed sp2-sp3 cross-coupling reaction using inexpensive nickel foam in an undivided cell. It was successfully applied to 21 examples in up to 88% yield. These sitagliptin-analogue precursors could potentially interact with the DPP4 enzyme. A full synthesis based on our new reaction pathway provided sitagliptin in an overall yield of 33%.

Relación entre la dieta, aspectos nutricionales y la calidad del sueño en población pediátrica / Relationship between diet, nutritional aspects and sleep quality in a pediatric population

La relación entre la dieta y el sueño ha sido escasamente estudiada en la población pediátrica. El objetivo de esta revisión fue analizar de forma narrativa la relación existente entre la dieta, determinados aspectos nutricionales y la calidad del sueño en esta población. Se seleccionaron estudios que midieran la dieta y valorasen el estado nutricional y el sueño en población infantil mediante la utilización de distintas herramientas. El riesgo de sesgo de los 14 estudios seleccionados se determinó con herramientas validadas. La adhesión a algunos patrones dietéticos como el mediterráneo, el alto consumo de frutas y verduras, la ingesta de triptófano o la sustitución de los ácidos grasos saturados por grasas insaturadas se relacionaron con una mejor calidad del sueño. El consumo de los productos ultraprocesados y la ingesta alta de azúcares simples dificultan un descanso adecuado. Por otro lado, se observó una asociación entre un índice de masa corporal alto y la falta de sueño en los jóvenes menores de 14 años. En conclusión, los estudios recogidos mostraron una asociación significativa entre algunos patrones dietéticos, grupos de alimentos y nutrientes con la calidad del sueño. Los factores dietéticos “poco saludables” se asociaron a una peor calidad del sueño. Sin embargo, hábitos y dietas más saludables y recomendados se relacionaron con una mejora de la higiene del sueño. Por otro lado, la falta de horas de descanso en la población juvenil se relaciona con el aumento de peso.(AU)

The relationship between diet and sleep has been studied in adults. However, there is little evidence in the pediatric population. The objective of this review was to analyze in a narrative way the relationship between diet, some nutritional aspects and sleep quality in population under 14 years. A quick review was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane with a search strategy combining MeSH terms and keywords. Studies were selected to estimate diet and evaluate nutritional status and sleep in children using different tools. The risk of bias from the 14 selected studies was determined with validated tools (AMSTAR 2, Newcastle Ottawa scale [NOS] and Risk of Bias [Rob2]). Adherence to some dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, high consumption of fruits and vegetables, tryptophan intake or substitution of saturated fatty acids by unsaturated fats were associated with better sleep quality. The consumption of ultra-processed products, the “unhealthy fast food” or the high intake of simple sugars hinder an adequate rest. On the other hand, an association between a high body mass index and lack of sleep was observed in young people under 14. In conclusion, the collected studies showed a significant association between some dietary patterns, food groups and nutrients with sleep quality. “Unhealthy” dietary factors were associated with poorer sleep quality. However, healthier and recommended habits and diets were associated with improved sleep hygiene. On the other hand, the lack of hours of rest in the youth population increases height, weight and BMI. Further research is needed in this direction.(AU)

Development and Validation of UPLC Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay for Ceftibuten and Sulbactam in Human Plasma.

A sensitive and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with -tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine ceftibuten (CTB) and sulbactam (SUL) in human plasma. An ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 C18 (2.1 × 100 mm), 1.8 µm column with gradient elution of water (0.1% formic acid) and acetonitrile was used for separation at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. This method involves a simple sample preparation with acetonitrile. The calibration curves of CTB and SUL in plasma showed good linearity over the concentration range of 0.50-25 µg/mL and with a correlation coefficient (r2) >0.99. This method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability. High precision was obtained with coefficients of variation <15%. Excellent recovery in the range of 90-104% was achieved for CTB and SUL was 86-110%. The method has the potential utility to support pharmacometric modeling in clinical practice and biopharmaceutic studies.

Mapping health promotion practices across key sectors and its intersectoral approach at the local level: Study protocol.

AIMS: This study outlines a protocol aimed at identifying and mapping health promotion practices in need of development from the perspectives of key sectors responsible for it at the local level and from an intersectoral perspective across four Spanish regions. DESIGN: A complementary multi-method study combining survey methods and qualitative interviews will be adopted. METHODS: Purposive snowball sampling will be employed to select potentially rich informants from city councils, primary care centres, primary and secondary schools, and public health and civil society organizations in 12 municipalities sensitive to local health. Data on the degree of execution of health promotion activities, the level of intersectorality in their implementation, and their origins will be collected using PromoACTIVA questionnaires, an intersectoral typology model and an interview protocol. A parallel mixed analysis encompassing descriptive statistics and a 'framework analysis' will be performed. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to yield thorough and reliable insights into health promotion practices and omissions at the local level by focusing on key stakeholders, both individually and collaboratively. This information can enhance health promotion planning and improve its effectiveness, efficiency and contextual relevance. The development and testing of a methodology for the integration and interpretation of these data will ensure sustainable capacity building. IMPACT: Managers and practitioners interested in health promotion planning in the researched settings can benefit from a comprehensive map of the current state of their practices and insights into the starting points of collaboration. In addition, planners from other local settings will gain access to tools and methodologies to replicate and expand these maps to their own contexts. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT: Engaging key stakeholders with experience working in or with primary care centres, public health organizations, primary and secondary schools, civil society organizations, and city councils was vital to ensure the study's relevance and feasibility.

Is the Over-the-Head Technique an Alternative for Infant CPR Performed by a Single Rescuer? A Randomized Simulation Study with Lifeguards.

(1) Objective: The objective was to evaluate the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, chest compressions and ventilations) when performed by a lone first responder on an infant victim via the over-the-head technique (OTH) with bag-mask ventilation in comparison with the standard lateral technique (LAT) position. (2) Methods: A randomized simulation crossover study in a baby manikin was conducted. A total of 28 first responders performed each of the techniques in two separate CPR tests (15:2 chest compressions:ventilations ratio), each lasting 5 min with a 15 min resting period. Quality CPR parameters were assessed using an app connected to the manikin. Those variables were related to chest compressions (CC: depth, rate, and correct CC point) and ventilation (number of effective ventilations). Additional variables included perceptions of the ease of execution of CPR. (3) Results: The median global CPR quality (integrated CC + V) was 82% with OTH and 79% with LAT (p = 0.94), whilst the CC quality was 88% with OTH and 80% with LAT (p = 0.67), and ventilation quality was 85% with OTH and 85% with LAT (p = 0.98). Correct chest release was significantly better with OTH (OTH: 92% vs. LAT: 62%, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the remaining variables. Ease of execution perceptions favored the use of LAT over OTH. (4) Conclusions: Chest compressions and ventilations can be performed with similar quality in an infant manikin by lifeguards both with the standard recommended position (LAT) and the alternative OTH. This option could give some advantages in terms of optimal chest release between compressions. Our results should encourage the assessment of OTH in some selected cases and situations as when a lone rescuer is present and/or there are physical conditions that could impede the lateral rescue position.

Effects of PM10 Airborne Particles from Different Regions of a Megacity on In Vitro Secretion of Cytokines by a Monocyte Line during Different Seasons.

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that particulate matter (PM) in air pollution can be involved in the genesis or aggravation of different cardiovascular, respiratory, perinatal, and cancer diseases. This study assessed the in vitro effects of PM10 on the secretion of cytokines by a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). We compared the chemotactic, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines induced by PM10 collected for two years during three different seasons in five different Mexico City locations. MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF were the main secretion products after stimulation with 80 µg/mL of PM10 for 24 h. The THP-1 cells showed a differential response to PM10 obtained in the different sites of Mexico City. The PM10 from the north and the central city areas induced a higher pro-inflammatory cytokine response than those from the south. Seasonal pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion always exceeded anti-inflammatory secretion. The rainy-season-derived particles caused the lowest pro-inflammatory effects. We concluded that toxicological assessment of airborne particles provides evidence supporting their potential role in the chronic exacerbation of local or systemic inflammatory responses that may worsen the evolution of some chronic diseases.

Infectious sporadic bovine abortions: retrospective analysis.

Infectious sporadic abortions in cattle are mainly caused by opportunistic bacteria and fungi usually present in environmental or gastrointestinal and reproductive microbiota of healthy animals. A retrospective analysis was carried out to evaluate the main opportunistic microorganisms involved in bovine abortions recorded at INTA Balcarce (Argentina) from 1997 to 2023, accounting for 2.2% of the total diagnosed etiologies of bovine abortion. The opportunistic agents identified as the cause of abortion in 29 fetuses were bacteria (90%) and fungi (10%). Escherichia coli (n = 8), Trueperella pyogenes (n = 5), and Histophilus somni (n = 4) were the bacterial species most often identified as causing infectious abortions, whereas Aspergillus spp. (n = 3) was implicated in all fungal abortions identified. Pure culture of bacteria or fungus was achieved from abomasal content and/or lung essential. Main microscopic findings were bronchopneumonia, myo- and epicarditis, meningitis, and portal hepatitis. Herein, we highlight the importance of detecting potential infectious bacteria in cultures to improve etiological diagnosis of bovine abortions associated with compatible microscopic findings to confirm the etiology.

Single step synthesis of ß- and γ- aryl-substituted ß- and γ-amino acid derivatives by electrochemistry.

Electrochemical transformations are a subject of increasing interest in early drug discovery due to its ability to assemble complex scaffolds under rather mild reaction conditions. In this context, we became interested in electrochemical decarboxylative cross-coupling (DCC) protocols of redox-active esters (RAEs) and halo(hetero)arenes. Starting with the one-step electrochemical synthesis of novel methylamino-substituted heterocycles we recognized the potential of this methodology to deliver a novel approach to ß- and γ- amino acids by starting from the corresponding RAEs. Our work finally resulted in the delivery of novel and highly valuable trifunctional building blocks based on ß- and γ-amino-acid scaffolds.

Effect of the ketogenic diet as a treatment for refractory epilepsy in children and adolescents: a systematic review of reviews.

CONTEXT: Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in childhood. Antiepileptic drugs are the preferred treatment. However, 30% of children continue suffering seizures. A ketogenic diet (KD) is one of the emerging alternative treatments. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to analyze the current evidence regarding the use of a KD for the treatment of refractory epilepsy (RE) in childhood. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of reviews was performed, based on MEDLINE (PubMed) as at January 2021. DATA EXTRACTION: The data extracted included the first author's last name; the year of publication; the country; the study design; the population; the diagnosis, concept, and description of KD types; and major outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-one reviews were included, 8 with systematic methodology (2 of them included a meta-analysis) and 13 with unsystematic methodology. The main difference between the 2 types of reviews is the reproducibility of their methodology. Therefore, the results of each type of review were analyzed separately. Each type of review described 4 categories of KD: classic KD, modified Atkins diet (MAD), use of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). In terms of effectiveness, the considered systematic reviews reported reductions in the frequency of seizures greater than 50% in about half of the patients. Reviews without systematic methodology reported that 30%-60% of the children showed a 50% or greater reduction in seizures. The most frequently described adverse effects in the 8 systematic reviews were: vomiting (6/8), constipation (6/8), and diarrhea (6/8); and in the unsystematic reviews: vomiting and nausea (10/13), constipation (10/13), and acidosis (9/13). CONCLUSION: KD can be an effective treatment for RE, with a more than 50% reduction in the frequency of seizures and cognitive improvement being achieved in half of the pediatric patients. The effectiveness of the various types of KD is comparable, and the KD can be adapted to the needs of the patient. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021244142.

Bovine campylobacteriosis in heifer: pathogenesis study and insights in the conventional and molecular diagnosis in an experimental bovine model and field cases.

Campylobacter fetus spp. is a bacterium associated to reproductive losses in cattle worldwide. It is a venereal infectious disease known as bovine campilobacteriosis, with high impact mainly in countries with extensive production systems. Here, we show pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for Campylobacter fetus detection in cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) samples from heifers experimentally infected and field cases from herds with low reproductive performance by campylobacteriosis infection. Bacterial culture, direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR were used as diagnostic methods to evaluate detection of C. fetus. In the experimental model 30 Aberdeen Angus and crossbred heifers and 4 Aberdeen Angus bulls for natural mating were assigned to 3 groups experimentally challenged with C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), C. fetus subsps venerealis (Cfv) and C. fetus subsp venerealis biovar intermedius (Cfvi), respectively, and a negative control group, all followed for 9 months. Also, field samples of CVM and aborted fetuses were recollected from seven beef cattle farms. Bacteriological culture had the higher C. fetus detection rate in CVM being the most appropriate, followed by qPCR (with commercial extraction DNA kit), direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR (with in-house extraction DNA method), in both, experimental model and field cases. From experimental model after natural mating, 62.5% and 25% heifers got pregnant from Cff and Cfvi groups, respectively, while from Cfv no pregnancy was detected. The strain more frequently detected was Cfvi, followed by Cff and Cfv. Colonization of Cff in female genital tract with high number of carriers and presence in aborted fetuses was evidenced, suggesting a high risk to bovine reproductive health. Bacteriemia was not detected after genital infection. Given the low detection rate of either test, we suggest the use of both, PCR based methods and bacterial culture could result in higher detection rate in farms with endemic campylobacteriosis.

Stereoselective Control of the Cu Activation of ß,ß-Diboryl Acrylates for Allylic Coupling Protocols with Concomitant Lactonization.

The key to a successful C-B activation is to discriminate between two geminal boryl moieties that are exposed to the same reaction conditions. Here we describe a stereoselective C-B activation of ß,ß-diboryl acrylates forming exclusively the (Z)-α-borylalkenyl copper(I) key intermediate, for subsequent allylic alkylation reactions. The new borylated (Z)-skipped dienoates followed a feasible iodo-lactonization sequence for the preparation of borylated lactone cores, which can be used in drug discovery.

Development and Evaluation of an NTM-IGRA to Guide Pediatric Lymphadenitis Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections remains a challenge. In this study, we describe the evaluation of an immunological NTM-interferon (IFN)-γ release assay (IGRA) that we developed using glycopeptidolipids (GPLs) as NTM-specific antigens. METHODS: We tested the NTM-IGRA in 99 samples from pediatric patients. Seventy-five were patients with lymphadenitis: 25 were NTM confirmed, 45 were of unknown etiology but compatible with mycobacterial infection and 5 had lymphadenitis caused by an etiologic agent other than NTM. The remaining 24 samples were from control individuals without lymphadenitis (latently infected with M. tuberculosis , uninfected controls and active tuberculosis patients). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated overnight with GPLs. Detection of IFN-γ producing cells was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. RESULTS: NTM culture-confirmed lymphadenitis patient samples had a significantly higher response to GPLs than the patients with lymphadenitis of unknown etiology but compatible with mycobacterial infection ( P < 0.001) and lymphadenitis not caused by NTM ( P < 0.01). We analyzed the response against GPLs in samples from unknown etiology lymphadenitis but compatible with mycobacterial infection cases according to the tuberculin skin test (TST) response, and although not statistically significant, those with a TST ≥5 mm had a higher response to GPLs when compared with the TST <5 mm group. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation with GPLs yielded promising results in detecting NTM infection in pediatric patients with lymphadenitis. Our results indicate that the test could be useful to guide the diagnosis of pediatric lymphadenitis. This new NTM-IGRA could improve the clinical handling of NTM-infected patients and avoid unnecessary misdiagnosis and treatments.

La figura de facilitación de acceso a la justicia. Comparación internacional de un reto formativo / Intermediaries in Access to Justice. International Comparison of a Training Challenge

El facilitador es un profesional que posibilita el ejercicio del derecho de acceso a la justicia a las personas con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo, favoreciendo los principios de equidad, participación, accesibilidad y autodeterminación. En el presente estudio, se realiza una revisión bibliográfica para determinar la presencia de esta figura en el panorama internacional y su perfil formativo. En el derecho internacional, actualmente, podemos encontrarla en algunos países nórdicos, Reino Unido, Israel, Azerbaiyán, Taiwán, Sudáfrica, Kenia, Canadá, varios estados de EE. UU., México y Chile, así como en parte del territorio australiano y Nueva Zelanda. En España, la figura aparece en la última reforma de la legislación civil y procesal (Ley 8/2021, de 2 de junio). En su perfil formativo encontramos tanto la educación formal como no formal de estos profesionales. El perfil del facilitador habrá de ajustarse a las necesidades de las personas con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo y del contexto que requiera la facilitación. (AU)

Intermediaries are professionals who enable the effective right of access to justice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring principles of equity, participation, accessibility and self-determination for them. This paper analyzes the presence and formative background of this figure from an international comparative perspective. Nowadays, we can find these professionals in the international law across different countries: some Nordic countries, United Kingdom, Israel, Azerbaijan, Taiwan, South Africa, Kenya, Canada, part of the USA, Mexico and Chile, Australia and New Zealand. In Spain, intermediaries are considered in the latest reform of the civil and procedural legislation (Law 8/2021, June the 2nd). This paper analyzes the formative background of this figure from an international comparative perspective. We find both formal and non-formal education in the background of these professionals. There is no doubt their profile must adjust to the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the contexts that require the facilitation. (AU)

Monodentate versus Bidentate Anchoring Groups in Self-Assembling Molecules (SAMs) for Robust p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells.

Current improvement in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been achieved by interface engineering and fine-tuning of charge-selective contacts. In this work, we report three novel molecules that can form self-assembled layers (SAMs) as an alternative to the most commonly used p-type contact material, PTAA. Two of these molecules have bidentate anchoring groups (MC-54 and MC-55), while the last one is monodentate (MC-45). Besides the PTAA comparison, we also compared those two types of molecules and their effect on the solar cell's performance. Devices fabricated with MC-54 and MC-55 showed a remarkable field factor (about 80%) and a better current density, leading to higher efficient solar cells in comparison to MC-45 and PTAA. Moreover, mono- and bidentate present higher stability and reproducibility in comparison to PTAA.