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Asymmetric architecture and adaptation of Treponema flagella
Gut microbiome signatures discriminate deep vein thrombosis through machine learning and metabolic analysis
Extension of overlap measures for Multi-Class Biomarker Evaluation in Alzheimer's Disease
A qualitative study of stakeholders and beneficiaries perspective on community-based mobile nutrition services in Gombe state of Nigeria
Protective effects of propofol, ketamine, and their combination against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in A549 cells: an evaluation of metabolic activity and antioxidant defense
A single lysergyl peptide synthetase assembles lysergic acid amides in Aspergillus species
The agriculturally and pharmaceutically important lysergic acid amides ergonovine and lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide (LAH) are synthesized from a lysergyl-alanine precursor. In ergot-alkaloid producing fungi of the family Clavicipitaceae, lysergyl-alanine is assembled and then reduced to ergonovine by a complex of two monomodular nonribosomal peptide synthetases: lysergyl peptide synthetase 2 (Lps2) and Lps3. LAH is the major ergot alkaloid product of these fungi when the Lps2/Lps3 complex interacts with the Bayer-Villiger monooxygenase encoded by easO . An α/β hydrolase fold protein encoded by easP increases LAH accumulation but is not essential for LAH biosynthesis. Lps2 and Lps3 do not occur in the several species of Aspergillus (including A. leporis ) that produce LAH and ergonovine. Instead, ergot alkaloid synthesis clusters of these Aspergillus species encode a novel two-module Lps gene, lpsD . We hypothesized the product of lpsD was functionally equivalent to the two separately encoded, monomodular enzymes of the Clavicipitaceae and tested this hypothesis by introducing lpsD of A. leporis into a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus that had been modified previously to accumulate lysergic acid as substrate. Introduction of lpsD resulted in accumulation of ergonovine as evidenced by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The addition of the A. leporis allele of easO into the lpsD -transformed A. fumigatus strain led to accumulation of LAH. Introduction of a construct containing easP as well as easO into the lpsD -transformed A. fumigatus strain resulted in higher concentrations of LAH than in strains containing only lpsD and easO , consistent with previous studies in the Clavicipitaceae. The data support the hypothesis that ergot alkaloid-producing Aspergillus species independently evolved a single enzyme that serves the purpose of the two monomodular peptide synthetases of the Clavicipitaceae.
Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Euxinic conditions and altered biogeochemical cycles in a Patagonian fjord influenced by volcanic activity
Young adults’ perspectives on chlamydia-related subfertility and a potential predictive subfertility test: A mixed-methods study in the Netherlands
Background Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) infection control could be more effective if focused on morbidity- rather than prevalence reduction. A predictive test, identifying those at higher risk for chlamydia-subfertility, could be developed to enhance targeted chlamydia control. However, do young adults with a uterus (hereafter “young adults”) want to know their subfertility risk? Methods A sequential mixed methods study was conducted among young adults in the Netherlands to explore perspectives on chlamydia, subfertility, and a potential subfertility test. Five focus groups with Sexual Health Center (SHC) visitors were held to identify potential benefits, barriers, and requirements; results were analysed thematically and used to inform a questionnaire. This questionnaire was distributed online via SHCs and social media. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression were used to assess benefits and barriers of learning one's subfertility risk. Results Nineteen young adults participated in the focus groups, and the resulting themes informed the questionnaire. These included perceived benefits (mental preparation, anticipation, reassurance after a “no increased risk” result), perceived barriers (mental burden of an “increased risk” result, need for blood sampling), and requirements (accuracy, accessibility, follow-up). The questionnaire was completed by 426 participants (median age 22, IQR 20–24). High perceived susceptibility was reported by 11% for chlamydia and 23% for chlamydia‑related subfertility; perceived severity was high for chlamydia and chlamydia-related subfertility, 75% and 88%, respectively. Willingness to use a risk test was 78%. Relief after a “no increased risk” result was expected by 89%, while an increased‑risk result was expected to enhance preparedness (86%) and elicit worry (83%). Additional considerations included motivation for safer sex, negative effects on relationships, and questioning the value of knowing. Conclusion Young adults are concerned about chlamydia‑related subfertility, resulting in high willingness to use a risk test. The expected benefits and barriers should be carefully considered in test development.
Eutectic Urea Phosphate Suppresses Phase Segregation in Wide‐Bandgap Photovoltaic Perovskites
ABSTRACT Compositional segregation resulting from non‐uniform crystallization remains a critical bottleneck limiting the performance of wide‐bandgap (WBG) mixed‐halide perovskite photovoltaics. Herein, we report a halide‐specific coordination strategy by employing a eutectic molecule to stop the phase segregation in WBG perovskites. Owing to the differential affinity of stronger for bromine‐based octahedra than iodine‐based ones, the urea phosphate molecule acts as a molecular pacemaker synchronizing the crystallization of disparate perovskite phases. This strategy successfully eliminates vertical and lateral phase segregation within the films, leading to a substantial reduction in non‐radiative recombination and charge transport losses. Consequently, the champion perovskite photovoltaic devices present a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.27% under AM 1.5G illumination and a promising indoor PCE of 42.64% under 1000 lux. The finding offers a robust paradigm to fabricate high‐quality WBG photovoltaic perovskites for indoor energy harvesting in the Internet of Things.
Endovascular Therapy for Post-Thrombotic Syndrome — A Randomized Trial
Volatile organic compound profiling for tracking clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
Author Correction: CHIT1-positive microglia drive motor neuron ageing in the primate spinal cord
Stigmatizing attitudes and misconceptions about obesity among Spanish healthcare professionals
Weight stigma and misconceptions about obesity among healthcare professionals (HCPs) may negatively affect healthcare quality and access for people living with obesity (PLWO). However, no previous research has examined these attitudes and beliefs in Spanish HCPs. This cross-sectional online study examined weight stigma and obesity-related beliefs among 922 HCPs recruited via Spanish professional and academic obesity-related organizations ((74.1% female, mean BMI = 23.73 kg/m 2 (SD 3.89), mean age = 43.73 years (SD 12.45), range 23–75, 88.7% provide care for PLWO)). Anti-fat attitudes were measured using the Dislike subscale of the Anti-Fat Attitudes questionnaire (AFA) and the Fat Phobia Scale (F-Scale). ANOVAs adjusted for sociodemographic variables, weight status, and weight bias internalization were conducted. Overall, Spanish HCPs surveyed reported negative attitudes toward PLWO. Lower weight status was consistently associated with higher stigma scores. Younger age (F-Scale) and working in the private sector (Dislike) were associated with higher scores. Differences across specialties were observed, with obesity physicians reporting the lower stigma levels. A substantial proportion of HCPs endorsed beliefs emphasizing personal responsibility: 38% attributed overeating to individual causes, 66% believed obesity could be entirely prevented by a healthy lifestyle, and 59% believed it could be cured through lifestyle changes. Many also attributed weight loss difficulties, poor compliance, and weight regain to lack of motivation and lifestyle choices, and over half considered lifestyle or psychological interventions the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Endorsement of these beliefs was consistently associated with higher stigma scores. These findings provide national evidence that weight stigma among Spanish HCPs is present and linked to beliefs framing obesity as primarily under individual control. These attitudes and knowledge gaps may contribute to inappropriate care and unfair treatment of PLWO. Addressing responsibility-focused beliefs may be a key step towards reducing stigma and improving the quality of obesity care in Spain.
General Electrocatalytic Plastic and Biomass Refining via Synergistic Carbon–Carbon Bond Cleavage Over Oxygen Vacancies and Ni <sup>3+</sup> –O Octahedral Motifs in Tailored Spinel Nickel Cobalt Oxide
ABSTRACT Electrooxidation of recyclable carbon resources from plastics and biomass offers a promising route for value‐added conversion via C–C bond cleavage to yield small organic acids. However, developing electrocatalysts with broad substrate applicability is hindered by limited C–C bond cleavage selectivity and sluggish kinetics. Herein, we constructed a NiO x –NiCo 2 O 4 ‐U electrocatalyst with substantial oxygen vacancies, in which NiCo 2 O 4 tends to adopt an inverse spinel configuration, leading to abundant Ni 3+ –O octahedra with e g occupancy close to unity. This catalyst facilitates two C–C bond cleavage pathways: *OH mediated processes and in situ generation of active NiOOH during electrooxidation. For the electrooxidation of lactic acid (monomer of polylactic acid) to acetic acid, NiO x ‐NiCo 2 O 4 ‐U grown on nickel foam achieves a high Faradaic efficiency of 99.2% at 1.45 V versus RHE and a high yield of 5432 µmol h −1 cm −2 at 600 mA cm −2 , along with excellent stability. Benefiting from the optimized vacancy modulation and Ni–O coordination structure, the NiO x ‐NiCo 2 O 4 ‐U exhibits superior C–C bond cleavage capability, enabling the highly selective electrooxidation of at least 10 oxygenated organic molecules, including ethylene glycol, glycerol, and glucose. This work provides a design strategy for versatile electrooxidation catalysts and may support industrial applications integrating waste plastics and biomass derivatives.
The Convergence of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease — Scientific and Ethical Imperatives
Machine learning-based predictive model for sleep disorders in diabetic patients: data analysis from CHARLS
How do theme park attributes influence visitors’ positive emotions? Nonlinear effects and spatial heterogeneity in Shanghai’s theme parks
Against the backdrop of sustained growth in experience-oriented urban leisure consumption, theme parks serve as key venues for visitor experiences. A clearer account is needed of how park attributes and urban spatial structures jointly relate to visitors’ positive emotions. This study examines 106 theme parks in Shanghai to quantify visitors’ positive emotions and identify the supply-side attributes associated with them, while also examining park clustering patterns at the urban spatial scale and their relationship with emotional variations. The research integrates online reviews, Points of Interest (POI), and geospatial data to conduct emotional measurement, spatial pattern analysis, interpretive predictive modeling, and supplementary regression tests. Results indicate that park distribution exhibits significant clustering, yet emotional levels within hotspots are inconsistent. IP strength, service quality, and green-space leisure are the attributes most strongly associated with visitors’ positive emotions. Among these, only IP strength showed robust statistical evidence of nonlinearity in the supplementary spline and segmented regressions; service quality showed a possible inflection trend but was not statistically significant; green-space leisure generally exhibited a stable positive association. The study concludes that emotional experiences in theme parks are influenced not only by perceptible cues within the park but also shaped by the structure of urban spatial supply. Therefore, at the operational level, priority should be given to enhancing cross-touchpoint thematic consistency, process predictability, and the provision of decentralized restorative nodes; at the urban level, efforts should focus on optimizing connectivity to hotspot areas, mitigating the externalities of crowding, and promoting the decentralization of recreational supply.