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Injectable alginate/collagen clindamycin hydrogel for treatment of surgical site infections

Multivariate Gaussian Bayes classifier with limited data for segmentation of clean and contaminated regions in the small bowel capsule endoscopy images

A considerable amount of undesirable factors in the wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) procedure hinder the proper visualization of the small bowel and take gastroenterologists more time to review. Objective quantitative assessment of different bowel preparation paradigms and saving the physician reviewing time motivated us to present an automatic low-cost statistical model for automatically segmenting of clean and contaminated regions in the WCE images. In the model construction phase, only 20 manually pixel-labeled images have been used from the normal and reduced mucosal view classes of the Kvasir capsule endoscopy dataset. In addition to calculating prior probability, two different probabilistic tri-variate Gaussian distribution models (GDMs) with unique mean vectors and covariance matrices have been fitted to the concatenated RGB color pixel intensity values of clean and contaminated regions separately. Applying the Bayes rule, the membership probability of every pixel of the input test image to each of the two classes is evaluated. The robustness has been evaluated using 5 trials; in each round, from the total number of 2000 randomly selected images, 20 and 1980 images have been used for model construction and evaluation modes, respectively. Our experimental results indicate that accuracy, precision, specificity, sensitivity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and intersection over union (IOU) are 0.89 ±  0.07, 0.91 ±  0.07, 0.73 ±  0.20, 0.90 ±  0.12, 0.92 ± 0.06, 0.92 ±  0.05 and 0.86 ±  0.09, respectively. The presented scheme is easy to deploy for objectively assessing small bowel cleansing score, comparing different bowel preparation paradigms, and decreasing the inspection time. The results from the SEE-AI project dataset and CECleanliness database proved that the proposed scheme has good adaptability.

Trace metals and their human health risks in sesame seeds from the main cultivation areas of Ethiopia

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a major oilseed crop globally, and white sesame is a key contributor to the foreign exchange earnings of Ethiopia. The main production districts of white sesame in Ethiopia are Humera, Metema, Tegedie, Mirab-Armachiho and Tachi-Armaciho. This study assessed the levels of trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Ni) in white sesame seeds from these regions and evaluated the associated health risks to consumers. A total of 53 samples were collected from 19 farmer villages across the five districts. Homogenized samples from each village were analyzed using the acid digestion method followed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The limit of detection of the method ranged from 0.75 to 865 mg/kg, and the limit of quantitation ranged from 2.55 to 28.8 mg/kg for the different elements analyzed. The recovery of the method was in the range of 90.9‒99.6%. The results showed trace metal levels ranging from 164 ± 6 to 381 ± 4 mg/kg for Fe, 94.0 ± 1.9 to 126 ± 0.8 mg/kg for Zn, 11.8 ± 0.4 to 14.2 ± 0.4 mg/kg for Cu, 11.9 ± 0.9 to 15.0 ± 0.7 mg/kg for Mn and 16.2 ± 1.1 to 21.0 ± 1.2 mg/kg for Ni across the production districts. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p <  0.05) in trace metal concentrations among the districts, indicating a geographical effect on the trace metal content of sesame. Importantly, the study found no non-carcinogenic health risks from the analyzed metals for either adult or child consumers. These findings suggest that the trace metal levels in the sesame seeds are within safe limits for human consumption.

Algorithm, expert, or both? Evaluating the role of feature selection methods on user preferences and reliance

The integration of users and experts in machine learning is a widely studied topic in artificial intelligence literature. Similarly, human-computer interaction research extensively explores the factors that influence the acceptance of AI as a decision support system. In this experimental study, we investigate users’ preferences regarding the integration of experts in the development of such systems and how this affects their reliance on these systems. Specifically, we focus on the process of feature selection—an element that is gaining importance due to the growing demand for transparency in machine learning models. We differentiate between three feature selection methods: algorithm-based, expert-based, and a combined approach. In the first treatment, we analyze users’ preferences for these methods. In the second treatment, we randomly assign users to one of the three methods and analyze whether the method affects advice reliance. Users prefer the combined method, followed by the expert-based and algorithm-based methods. However, the users in the second treatment rely equally on all methods. Thus, we find a remarkable difference between stated preferences and actual usage, revealing a significant attitude-behavior-gap. Moreover, allowing the users to choose their preferred method had no effect, and the preferences and the extent of reliance were domain-specific. The findings underscore the importance of understanding cognitive processes in AI-supported decisions and the need for behavioral experiments in human-AI interactions.

Technology-enabled hybrid cardiac rehabilitation: Qualitative study of healthcare professional and patient perspectives at three cardiac rehabilitation centres in England

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of death in the UK. Clinical guidelines recommend cardiac rehabilitation (CR), including health education, cardiovascular risk reduction advice, physical activity and stress management components. However, uptake of standard in-person, group-based CR is only around 50%. Hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (CR), combining in-person and remote service delivery, may improve CR uptake and reduce inequalities in service access. This study used focus groups and semi-structured interviews to explore staff and patient experiences of using the Active+me REMOTE hybrid CR app, a cloud-based platform providing access to education modules, behaviour change support, live exercise classes, physical activity and health monitoring across three sites in the East of England. Twelve staff and six patients participated. Topic guides explored participants’ experiences of delivering or receiving hybrid CR, barriers and facilitators associated with the hybrid CR pathway, and implications for future implementation of Active+me REMOTE. Qualitative data were collected remotely, audio-recorded and independently transcribed. Staff data were analysed deductively, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Patient data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Despite some technical issues and governance delays, Active+me REMOTE was perceived as acceptable, convenient and allowed tailoring of support to meet patients’ needs and circumstances. Data upload from wearable devices (blood pressure monitors) allowed staff to monitor patients’ progress and empowered patients to direct their recovery. Staff initially felt they should screen patients to ensure that hybrid CR was offered to digitally literate, physically active individuals, although screening became less common as staff familiarity with the app increased. Findings suggest that effective implementation of hybrid CR requires system-level resource to facilitate governance approvals and embed hybrid CR delivery as standard care. Sufficient time must be allowed for staff training and to support patient enrolment to hybrid services. The study was registered on 3/7/2023 (ISRCTN320764).

Acceptability and feasibility of acceptance and commitment therapy for improving outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Introduction: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) has the potential to cure patients with hematologic malignancies, but treatment-related morbidity and mortality is high. Transplant outcomes are optimized by patients maintaining physical activity. The aim of the current study was to examine whether a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention is acceptable to HCT patients and caregivers and helps patients engage in healthy behavior despite physical and emotional discomfort. Methods: Patients ≥ 18 years of age who were undergoing allogenic HCT for any cancer or non-cancer illness and their caregivers were invited to complete six ACT sessions between transplant day − 30 and day + 90. Multiple small cohorts of n = 3 dyads were enrolled, and the protocol content was iterated after each cohort to reflect the experiences and breadth of concerns of individuals undergoing HCT. Acceptability was indexed by session completion rates and acceptability surveys. Pre-post 6-minute walk distance was collected as an index of physical function as part of standard care. Results: Sixteen HCT dyads enrolled in the study; 12 continued to treatment. Most participants completed all assigned sessions. Participants perceived ACT to be helpful and 70% (5 of 7) of the patients with pre-post 6-minute walk test data showed improvement. Conclusion: ACT is an acceptable and potentially useful intervention for individuals undergoing HCT. Additional controlled studies are warranted.

Investigating the dynamics of climate finance disbursements: A panel data approach from 2003 to 2022

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of international multilateral climate finance disbursements from 2003 to 2022 via an extensive dataset from the Climate Funds Update (CFU). By employing panel data econometric models, including pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects (FE), and random effects (RE) models, the study elucidates the impact of grants and approved funds on disbursement levels across different income groups. The analysis reveals that while grants do not significantly influence disbursements, the approval of funds plays a critical role in enhancing disbursement efficiency. The random effects model, validated through the Hausman test, emerges as the optimal model for this context. The findings underscore the importance of streamlined approval processes in ensuring effective climate finance disbursements and highlight the need for further investigation into the non-significance of grants. The forecasting results indicate a positive trend in disbursements from 2023 to 2027, with potential fluctuations driven by external factors. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to optimize climate finance mechanisms and improve fund utilization for sustainable development.

Point-of-interest recommender model using geo-tagged photos in accordance with imperialist Fuzzy C-means clustering

Although recommender systems (RSs) strive to provide recommendations based on individuals’ histories and preferences, most recommendations made by these systems do not utilize location and time-based information. This paper presents a travel recommender system by integrating the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) and Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) Clustering algorithm. Compared to similar studies, this recommender system takes into account more POIs, including location, number of visits, weather conditions, time of day, user mood, traffic volume, season, and temperature. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are assessed using the Flickr dataset, indicating that it is able to provide effective and accurate recommendations that are compatible with the user’s interests and the current status of his/her visit. Results showed that, precision and Mean Absolute Precision (MAP) in the proposed method have been grown 23.6% and 23.72% in comparison to Popularity Rank, 28.98% and 19.67% in comparison to Classic Rank and 18.66% and 19.67% in comparison to Frequent Rank methods. Also, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) index in proposed method has been improved 60.71%, 64.51% and 56% in comparisons to the Popularity Rank, Classic Rank and Frequent Rank methods respectively.

How to promote university technology transfer? A configuration analysis based on technology, organization and environment framework

University technology transfer (UTT) is at the forefront of innovation, representing the key to promoting the deep integration of science and technology with the economy. In order to explore mechanisms of realizing UTT, this study uses the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (Fs-QCA) method to determine how the conditional configurations of technology, organization and environment (TOE) promote UTT. Evidently, there are four conditional configurations for promoting UTT, which are characterized by technology-organization-environment synergy, an organization-environment-orientation and a technology-organization-orientation. Technology transfer talents, organization construction, organization incentives, and market demand have an important influence on UTT. The main contribution of this study is its analysis of the nonlinear relationship between TOE conditions and UTT, which helps realize UTT in several ways.

Prognostic accuracy of the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM) scores on admission for walking independence in stroke patients at discharge and one-month follow-up

Gait prediction is critical in optimizing rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors. This study evaluates the prognostic utility of the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM) scores, recorded at admission, for predicting walking ability at discharge and one-month follow-up. We assessed 47 stroke patients using STREAM at admission; walking independence was defined using two criteria: a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score >  3 and a 10-Meter Walk Test (10-MWT) speed ≥  0.4 m/s. The predictive validity of STREAM scores was analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values were computed. The analysis revealed that a STREAM score above 38 at admission significantly predicted independent gait by discharge, evidenced by a high AUC of 0.897. At the one-month follow-up, a cut-off score of 29 continued to predict walking independence, with an AUC of 0.987. The subscores further enhanced predictive accuracy and highlighted the effectiveness of the STREAM assessment as a robust predictor of independent walking in stroke patients. These findings suggest the practicality of using STREAM scores to predict walking independence, which can guide the planning of more effective rehabilitation interventions. Trial registration TCTR20240323004 at www.thaiclinicaltrials.org.

Seasonal optical backscattering in hypersaline waters: In-situ observations and data analysis

Relationships of backscattering coefficients with the physical and biological properties in hypersaline waters like the Arabian Gulf are poorly studied. They may differ from other non-hypersaline waters which contribute the majority of data used to develop and parameterize optical models. Herein, we analyze the covariation of salinity, temperature, Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), color dissolved organic matter (CDOM), ammonium, and turbidity with seawater backscattering coefficients bb(λ). This analysis is based on in-situ measurement of total backscattering and satellite total backscattering coefficients retrieved from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). The in-situ measurements have been collected in the southern region of the Arabian Gulf waters, characterized by salinity and high evaporation rate. The results showed that turbidity is the main contributor to the increase in bb (λ) which could reach up to 77%. In addition, an increase in salinity is associated with an increase in the bb (λ) up to 19% especially at 532 nm. As for the temperature, we found that bb(λ) during the winter season is higher than in the summer season which could be due to the mixed effect of the surface sedimentation and the well-mixed column during winter. As for the Chl-a, there is a noticeable covariation between bb (λ) and the Chl-a concentration. Thus, we examined the probability distribution of Chl-a against different ranges of bb(λ) and found that Chl-a can follow log-normal and Weibull probability distribution which can be used for different bb(λ) ranges of 532 and 488 nm. Based on this study, we found that the hypersaline waters of the Gulf have bb scattering patterns that are consistent with the previously reported studies elsewhere.

Hygroscopic effect of high clay-content shale under temperature and humidity conditions and its impact on mechanical properties

High clay-content shale, containing hydrophilic clay minerals, is highly sensitive to environmental temperature and humidity. It readily absorbs moisture from the air, leading to increased water content and reduced mechanical strength, which poses challenges for underground structures, such as mining roadways, tunnels, and storage chambers. This study investigates the influence of temperature and humidity on the water content of high clay-content shale during its hygroscopic process and examines the evolution of its mechanical properties under variations in water content, aiming to reveal the effects of environmental temperature and humidity on the mechanical behavior of high clay-content shale. Hygroscopic experiments were conducted using a temperature and humidity chamber, with quartz sand as non-clay mineral control groups, and strength experiments were performed on reconstituted shale samples with varying water content. Results from the hygroscopic experiments showed that the equilibrium water content (EWC) of high clay-content shale decreases with lower humidity and higher temperature. When the humidity decreased from 100% RH to 80% RH, the average EWC dropped from 15.88% to 7.53%. Under high-humidity conditions (100% RH), the EWC decreased to 11.92% only after the temperature increased to 30°C. Within the experimental conditions, reducing humidity was found to be more effective than increasing temperature in reducing EWC. Based on the mechanical test results, reducing humidity can decrease the loss of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) caused by moisture absorption from approximately 50% to 15.48%. The results indicate that humidity is the primary factor influencing the EWC and mechanical properties of high clay-content shale. Reducing humidity can significantly mitigate strength loss caused by moisture absorption, while increasing temperature plays a supplementary role. These findings provide a scientific basis for controlling temperature and humidity in underground engineering to enhance structural stability.

Enhanced electromechanical performance of Si-modified lead-free BiFeO3-BaTiO3 ceramics for high-temperature piezoelectric applications

Environmental pollution generated by industrial wastes are deteriorating land, water, and marine life, which raises major concerns about climate change. Since environmentally friendly piezoelectric materials can generate clean energy by applying mechanical forces, they are seen as viable agents for industrial applications. In recent research work, the Si-modified 0.70Bi1.03FeO3-0.30BaTiO3 (BF30BT) environmentally friendly piezoceramics were synthesized using a solid-state method followed by a thermal quenching process. The crystalline structure, microstructure, and electromechanical characteristics were explored as a function of Si for both dopants (BC; before calcination) and additives (AC; after calcination). The result of pure BF30BT ceramic reveals a dominant rhombohedral phase exhibiting a d33 of 251 pC/N with a higher TC of 560 °C. The Si-doping gradually transformed the predominant rhombohedral phase to the rhombohedral-tetragonal mixed phase asymmetry as a result a good balance was achieved among d33 (209 pC/N), Qm (32.6), and kp (0.32%) with a high TC (465 °C). A giant-induced electric field bipolar strain of 0.39% corresponding to a large-signal piezoelectric coefficient d33* ≈  750 pm/V was perceived in Si-doped BF30BT ceramic. The defect dipoles by acceptor doping play an essential role in the enhancement of piezoelectricity. The defect dipole aligns in the spontaneous polarization and also offers restoring force for domain switching leading to high asymmetric electrostrain. This study provides a good design benchmark for a new generation of eco-friendly large-strain actuator piezoceramics.

A hemoperfusion column selectively adsorbs LAP+ lymphocytes to improve anti-tumor immunity and survival of tumor-bearing rats

Reducing the number of immunosuppressive cells in blood is a potential strategy for activating anti-tumor immunity, which provides a promising approach to cancer treatment. In this study, we developed an adsorbent designed to selectively target and adsorb lymphocytes expressing latency-associated peptide (LAP), which is abundantly expressed on the surface of CD4 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD14 + monocytes. We investigated whether diethylenetriamine-conjugated polysulfone adsorbent-based direct hemoperfusion (DHP) enhances anti-tumor immunity in a rat cancer model with KDH-V liver cells. Our findings revealed that DHP significantly reduced LAP + Tregs in both peripheral blood and tumor tissues in treated mice. Consequently, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes increased in tumor-bearing rats. The anti-tumor effect was negated by the addition of cells detached from the absorbent, indicating that these cells play a crucial role in inhibiting the observed therapeutic effect. The results suggest that depleting LAP + immunosuppressive cells in blood can enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve survival of patients.

Hypnotic drug use and intraoperative fluid balance associated with postoperative delirium following pancreatic surgery: A retrospective, observational, single-center study

Background Postoperative delirium is a common complication after various types of major surgery. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with delirium following pancreatic surgery. Methods Data from the patients who had pancreatic surgery between July 2020 and March 2021 in Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analysed. The postoperative risk factors related to delirium were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results 59 of 385 patients (15.3%) developed postoperative delirium after pancreatic surgery. The ROC curve revealed the optimal cutoff of intraoperative fluid balance was 2863ml. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥  65 years old [Odds ratio (OR) 2.01; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.12-3.63; p =  0.019], hypnotic drug use (OR 4.17; 95% CI 1.50-11.10; p =  0.005), and intraoperative fluid balance (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.37-4.84; p =  0.003) were the independent risk factors of postoperative delirium. Conclusion This study identified that intraoperative fluid balance and hypnotic drug use were independent risk factors associated with postoperative delirium development after pancreatic surgery.

The burden of unlawful use of opioid and associated epidemiological characteristics in Africa: A scoping review

Introduction There is an ongoing global upsurge of opioid misuse, fatal overdose and other related disorders, significantly affecting the African continent, due to resource-limited settings and poor epidemiological surveillance systems. This scoping review maps scientific evidence on epidemiological data on unlawful opioid use to identify knowledge gaps and policy shortcomings. Method The databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences) and references were searched guided by Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) and PRISMA-ScR. The extracted characteristics examined were author/year, African country, epidemiological distribution, age group (year), gender, study design and setting, common opioid/s abused, sources of drugs, reasons for misuse, summary outcomes and future engagement. Results A population of 55132 participated in the included studies of 68 articles, with the largest sample size of 17260 (31.31%) in a study done in South Africa, 11281(20.46%) in a study from Egypt and 4068 (7.38%) in a study from Ethiopia. The gender of the participants was indicated in 65(95.59%) papers. The mean and median age reported in 57(83.82%) papers were 15.9-38, and 22-31years. The majority of study-designs were cross-sectional, 44(64.71%), and the most used opioids were heroin, 14articles (20.59%), tramadol, 8articles (11.76%), and tramadol & heroin, 6 articles (8.82%) articles. Study-settings included urban community 15(22.06%), hospital 15(22.06%), university students 11(16.18%), and secondary school learners 6(8.82%). The highest epidemiological distributions were recorded in the South African study, 19615(35.60%), Egyptian study, 14627(26.54%), and Nigerian study 5895(10.70%). Nine (13.24%) papers reported major opioid sources as black market, friends, and drug dealers. To relieve stress, physical pain and premature ejaculation, improve mood and sleep-related problems and help to continue work, were the major reasons for taking these drugs as reported in twenty articles (29.41%). Conclusion The findings of this scoping review show significant knowledge gaps on opioid usage in the African continent. The epidemiological distribution of unlawful use of opioids among young adults, drivers, and manual labourers in both genders is evident in the findings. The reason for use necessity scrutinises the role of social interaction, friends and family influence on illicit opiate use. Therefore, there is a need for regular epidemiological surveillance and investigations into multilevel, value-based, comprehensive, and strategic long-term intervention plans to curb the opioid problem in the region.

Sequences within and upstream of the mouse Ets1 gene drive high level expression in B cells, but are not sufficient for consistent expression in T cells

The levels of transcription factor Ets1 are high in resting B and T cells, but are downregulated by signaling through antigen receptors and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Loss of Ets1 in mice leads to excessive immune cell activation and development of an autoimmune syndrome and reduced Ets1 expression has been observed in human PBMCs in the context of autoimmune diseases. In B cells, Ets1 serves to prevent premature activation and differentiation to antibody-secreting cells. Given these important roles for Ets1 in the immune response, stringent control of Ets1 gene expression levels is required for homeostasis. However, the genetic regulatory elements that control expression of the Ets1 gene remain relatively unknown. Here we identify a topologically-associating domain (TAD) in the chromatin of B cells that includes the mouse Ets1 gene locus and describe an interaction hub that extends over 100 kb upstream and into the gene body. Additionally, we compile epigenetic datasets to find several putative regulatory elements within the interaction hub by identifying regions of high DNA accessibility and enrichment of active enhancer histone marks. Using reporter constructs, we determine that DNA sequences within this interaction hub are sufficient to direct reporter gene expression in lymphoid tissues of transgenic mice. Further analysis indicates that the reporter construct drives faithful expression of the reporter gene in mouse B cells, but variegated expression in T cells, suggesting the existence of T cell regulatory elements outside this region. To investigate how the downregulation of Ets1 transcription is associated with alterations in the epigenetic landscape of stimulated B cells, we performed ATAC-seq in resting and BCR-stimulated primary B cells and identified four regions within and upstream of the Ets1 locus that undergo changes in chromatin accessibility that correlate to Ets1 gene expression. Interestingly, functional analysis of several putative Ets1 regulatory elements using luciferase constructs suggested a high level of functional redundancy. Taken together our studies reveal a complex network of regulatory elements and transcription factors that coordinate the B cell-specific expression of Ets1 .

Patient-Selection of a Clinical Trial Primary Outcome: The ENHANCE-AF Outcomes Survey

Introduction Before the initiation of the ENHANCE-AF clinical trial, which tested a novel digital shared decision-making tool to guide the use of anticoagulants in stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation, this study aimed to identify the most appropriate, patient-selected primary outcome and to examine whether outcome selection varied by demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods Our cross-sectional survey asked 100 participants with atrial fibrillation to rank two alternative scales based on the scales’ ability to reflect their experiences with decision-making for anticoagulation. The Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), a 16-item scale, measures perceptions of uncertainty in choosing options. The 5-item Decision Regret Scale (DRS) focuses on remorse after a healthcare decision. We included adults with non-valvular AFib and CHA2DS2VASc scores of at least 2 for men and 3 for women. Multivariable logistic regression with backward selection identified characteristics independently associated with scale choice. Results The DCS was chosen over the DRS by 77% [95% confidence interval (CI) 68 to 85%] of participants. All subgroups designated a preference for the DCS. Those with higher CHA2DS2VASc scores (≥5, n = 26) selected the DCS 54% of the time compared with 86% of those with lower scores (<5, n = 74; p =  0.002). Multiple logistic regression confirmed a weaker preference for the DCS among those with higher CHA2DS2VASc scores. Conclusions Individuals with atrial fibrillation preferred the DCS over the DRS for measuring their decision-making experiences. As a result of this survey, the DCS was designated as the ENHANCE-AF clinical trial’s primary endpoint.

Trypanosomes lack a canonical EJC but possess an UPF1 dependent NMD-like pathway

The exon junction complex (EJC) is a key player in metazoan mRNA quality control and is placed upstream of the exon-exon junction after splicing. Its inner core is composed of Magoh, Y14, eIF4AIII and BTZ and the outer core of proteins involved in mRNA splicing (CWC22), export (Yra1), translation (PYM) and nonsense mediated decay (NMD, UPF1/2/3). Trypanosoma brucei encodes only two genes with introns, but all mRNAs are processed by trans-splicing. The presence of three core EJC proteins and a potential BTZ homologue (Rbp25) in trypanosomes has been suggested to adapt of the EJC function to mark trans-spliced mRNAs. We analysed trypanosome EJC components and noticed major differences between eIF4AIII and Magoh/Y14: (i) whilst eIF4AIII is essential, knocking out both Magoh and Y14 elicits only a mild growth phenotype (ii) eIF4AIII localization is mostly nucleolar, while Magoh and Y14 are nucleolar and nucleoplasmic but excluded from the cytoplasm (iii) eIF4AIII associates with nucleolar proteins and the splicing factor CWC22, but not with Y14 or Magoh, while Magoh and Y14 associate with each other, but not with eIF4AIII, CWC22 or nucleolar proteins. Our data argue against the presence of a functional EJC in trypanosomes, but indicate that eIF4AIII adopted non-EJC related, essential functions, while Magoh and Y14 became redundant. Trypanosomes also possess homologues to the NMD proteins UPF1 and UPF2. Depletion of UPF1 causes only a minor reduction in growth and phylogenetic analyses show several independent losses of UPF1 and UPF2, as well as complete loss of UPF3 in the Kinetoplastida group, indicating that UPF1-dependent NMD is not essential. Regardless, we demonstrate that UPF1 depletion restores the mRNA levels of a PTC reporter. Altogether, we show that the almost intron-less trypanosomes are in the process of losing the canonical EJC/NMD pathways: Y14 and Magoh have become redundant and the still-functional UPF1-dependent NMD pathway is not essential.

Trichoderma sp. AH pretreatment improves organic oxygen composites from supercritical alcoholysis of wheat straw

Electrospray ionization fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry was applied to evaluate the organic oxygen composites (OOCs) in methanol fraction derived from the supercritical alcoholysis of original and pretreated straw (WS) utilizing Trichoderma sp. AH. In the methanol-soluble fraction (MSF) of untreated and preconditioned WSs, On (n =  1–10), with double bond similar values of 1–28 and carbon atom numbers of 4–35, was the most predominant OOCs in the negative ion mode. O5 and O4 were the most prominent OOCs in the MSF of original and preconditioned WS, respectively. These results assist in comprehending the impact of Trichoderma sp. AH pretreatment on the specificity, and transformation of OOCs in WS alcoholysis and the application of MSF to manufacture fuel source.