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Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics :... Jun 2024The aggregation of halide atoms into gold clusters offers an interesting scenario for the development of novel metal-based cavities for anion recognition and sensing...
On the halide aggregation into the [Au(PPh)] cluster core. Insights from structural, optical and interaction energy analysis in [(PhPAu)X] and [(PhPAu)X] species (X = Cl, Br, I).
The aggregation of halide atoms into gold clusters offers an interesting scenario for the development of novel metal-based cavities for anion recognition and sensing applications. Thus, further understanding of the different contributing terms leading to efficient cluster-halide aggregation is relevant to guide their synthetic design. In this report, we evaluate the formation of [(PhPAu)X] and [(PhPAu)X] species (X = Cl, Br, I) in terms of different energy contributions underlying the stabilization of the cluster-halide interaction, and the expected UV-vis absorption profiles as a result of the variation in frontier orbital arrangements. Our results denote that a non-planar Au core shape enables enhanced halide aggregation, which is similar for Cl, Br, and I, in comparison to the hypothetical planar Au counterparts. The electrostatic nature of the interaction involves a decreasing ion-dipole term along with the series, and for iodine species, higher-order electrostatic contributions become more relevant. Hence, the obtained results help in gaining further understanding of the different stabilizing and destabilizing contributions to suitable cluster-based cavities for the incorporation of different monoatomic anions.
PubMed: 38940752
DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01467g -
The endosymbiont increases resistance to pathogens by enhancing iron sequestration and melanization.MBio Jun 2024Facultative endosymbiotic bacteria, such as and species, are commonly found in association with insects and can dramatically alter their host physiology. Many...
UNLABELLED
Facultative endosymbiotic bacteria, such as and species, are commonly found in association with insects and can dramatically alter their host physiology. Many endosymbionts are defensive and protect their hosts against parasites or pathogens. Despite the widespread nature of defensive insect symbioses and their importance for the ecology and evolution of insects, the mechanisms of symbiont-mediated host protection remain poorly characterized. Here, we utilized the fruit fly and its facultative endosymbiont to characterize the mechanisms underlying symbiont-mediated host protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Our results indicate a variable effect of on infection outcome, with endosymbiont-harboring flies being more resistant to , and but more sensitive or as sensitive as endosymbiont-free flies to the infections with species. Further focusing on the protective effect, we identified Transferrin-mediated iron sequestration induced by as being crucial for the defense against and . In the case of , enhanced melanization in -harboring flies plays a major role in protection. Both iron sequestration and melanization induced by require the host immune sensor protease Persephone, suggesting a role of proteases secreted by the symbiont in the activation of host defense reactions. Hence, our work reveals a broader defensive range of than previously appreciated and adds nutritional immunity and melanization to the defensive arsenal of symbionts.
IMPORTANCE
Defensive endosymbiotic bacteria conferring protection to their hosts against parasites and pathogens are widespread in insect populations. However, the mechanisms by which most symbionts confer protection are not fully understood. Here, we studied the mechanisms of protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens mediated by the endosymbiont . We demonstrate that besides the previously described protection against wasps and nematodes, also confers increased resistance to pathogenic bacteria and fungi. We identified -induced iron sequestration and melanization as key defense mechanisms. Our work broadens the known defense spectrum of and reveals a previously unappreciated role of melanization and iron sequestration in endosymbiont-mediated host protection. We propose that the mechanisms we have identified here may be of broader significance and could apply to other endosymbionts, particularly to , and potentially explain their protective properties.
PubMed: 38940615
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00936-24 -
JACC. Advances Nov 2023
PubMed: 38938718
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100655 -
Journal of Water and Health Jun 2024The carbapenem-resistant (CRE) pose a pressing public health concern. Here, we investigated the frequency of CRE bacteria, carbapenemase-encoding genes, and the...
The carbapenem-resistant (CRE) pose a pressing public health concern. Here, we investigated the frequency of CRE bacteria, carbapenemase-encoding genes, and the molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase-resistant in wastewater resources and healthy carriers in Iran. Out of 617 bacteria, 24% were carbapenem-resistant. The prevalence of CRE bacteria in livestock and poultry wastewater at 34% and hospital wastewater at 33% was significantly higher ( ≤ 0.05) than those in healthy carriers and municipal wastewater at 22 and 17%, respectively. The overall colonization rate of CRE in healthy individuals was 22%. Regarding individual species, the following percentages of isolates were found to be CRE: (18%), spp. (24%), (28%), spp (40%), spp. (25%), spp. (17%), spp. (31%), spp. (21%), and spp. (36%). The gene was detected in 97% of CRE isolates, while the and genes were detected in 24 and 3% of isolates, respectively. The B2 phylogroup was the most prominent group identified in carbapenem-resistant isolates, accounting for 80% of isolates. High prevalence of CRE with transmissible carbapenemase genes among healthy people and wastewater in Iran underscores the need for assertive measures to prevent further dissemination.
Topics: Wastewater; Iran; Carbapenems; Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae; Humans; Bacterial Proteins; beta-Lactamases; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Enterobacteriaceae; Animals
PubMed: 38935456
DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.041 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects people's health. Constipation is probably one of the most prominent gastrointestinal symptoms...
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects people's health. Constipation is probably one of the most prominent gastrointestinal symptoms (non-motor symptoms) of PD with devastating consequences. The aim of this research work is to formulate a functional food product, supplemented with inulin, cocoa, and Moringa, which can be an adjuvant in the treatment of constipation. The product was prepared according to a muffin or "Chilean cake" recipe; this basic muffin was prepared with additions of inulin (MI), inulin + cacao (MIC), and inulin + Moringa (MIM). A physical-chemical analysis of the macronutrients and an antioxidant capacity assessment of the samples were conducted, as well as a sensory evaluation performed by a group of people suffering from Parkinson's disease. A statistically significant difference was observed in the soluble ( = 0.0023) and insoluble ( = 0.0015) fiber values between the control samples and all samples. Furthermore, inulin + cacao improved the antioxidant capacity and folate intake compared to the control. Inulin alone has been shown to have antioxidant capacity according to ABTS (262.5728 ± 34.74 μmol TE/g) and DPPH (9.092518 ± 10.43 μmol TE/g) assays. A sensory evaluation showed a preference for the product with inulin and for the product with inulin + cacao, with a 78% purchase intention being reported by the subjects who evaluated the products. The incorporation of inulin and cacao improved the nutritional value of the muffins; the dietary fiber, antioxidant capacity and folate content are some of the features that stood out. A bakery product enriched with inulin, cocoa and Moringa could serve as a nutritional strategy to enhance nutritional value, thus helping in the treatment of constipation.
PubMed: 38929120
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060683 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Krause's corpuscles are typical of cutaneous mucous epithelia, like the lip vermillion or the glans clitoridis, and are associated with rapidly adapting low-threshold...
Krause's corpuscles are typical of cutaneous mucous epithelia, like the lip vermillion or the glans clitoridis, and are associated with rapidly adapting low-threshold mechanoreceptors involved in gentle touch or vibration. PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 are transmembrane mechano-gated proteins that form a part of the cationic ion channels required for mechanosensitivity in mammalian cells. They are involved in somatosensitivity, especially in the different qualities of touch, but also in pain and proprioception. In the present study, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the occurrence and cellular location of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in human clitoral Krause's corpuscles. Both PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 were detected in Krause's corpuscles in both the axon and the terminal glial cells. The presence of PIEZOs in the terminal glial cells of Kraus's corpuscles is reported here for the first time. Based on the distribution of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, it may be assumed they could be involved in mechanical stimuli, sexual behavior, and sexual pleasure.
Topics: Humans; Ion Channels; Axons; Neuroglia; Female; Clitoris; Adult; Mechanoreceptors; Immunohistochemistry; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38928429
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126722 -
BMC Nursing Jun 2024Advanced practice nursing has emerged as a result of the evolution of healthcare systems, the changing needs of the population and the academic development of nursing,...
BACKGROUND
Advanced practice nursing has emerged as a result of the evolution of healthcare systems, the changing needs of the population and the academic development of nursing, as well as sociodemographic and epidemiological changes. The aim of this study is to describe the professional experiences of Spanish advanced practice nurses in specific positions within the healthcare system in order to better understand the development and characteristics of this specialised nursing role.
METHODS
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Fourteen advanced practice nurses from healthcare centres participated. Semi-structured interviews were carried out. Braun and Clarke's method for reflexive thematic analysis was followed. The Atlas. Ti version 22 program was used for technological support. The COREQ checklist was used to optimise the reporting of this qualitative study.
RESULTS
From the analysis of the data collected, three themes and six subthemes were extracted: 1) Advanced practice nursing on the rise: (a) The driving forces in the development of advanced practice nursing, (b) Barriers to the development of advanced practice nursing; 2) Advanced practice nurses as a response to the population's needs: (a) The development of a new professional nursing role, (b) The patient at the centre of care in advanced practice nursing; 3) Training as the foundation for advanced practice nursing: (a) Expert nurses in a specific context, (b) Differences in the level of training depending on the context.
CONCLUSION
Advanced practice nurses have faced countless barriers and difficulties that have impeded them from demonstrating their importance and effectiveness within the healthcare system. A stable regulatory framework for the functions of advanced practice nurses is required to promote care, training and research in the field of advanced practice nursing. Health institutions need to promote the role of advanced practice nurses, facilitate the employment of new professionals, and establish new areas of practice.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Not applicable.
PubMed: 38926730
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02105-6 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2024I. paraguariensis St. Hil. is a south American species of agronomic interest with studies supporting its medicinal properties. As the investigation of active ingredients...
I. paraguariensis St. Hil. is a south American species of agronomic interest with studies supporting its medicinal properties. As the investigation of active ingredients with antimicrobial effect from medicinal plants is a suitable approach to the current antibacterial resistance problem, the aim of the present study was to determine the antibacterial activity of yerba mate ethanolic extracts against carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria (reference strains and clinical isolates). Extracts showed antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC® BAA-2342™ (KPC producing), Providencia rettgeri (NDM producing), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MBL producing) and P. aeruginosa (VIM producing) at the concentrations tested. The Minimal-Inhibitory-Concentration and Minimal-Bactericidal-Concentration values ranged between 1 and 32 mg.ml-1 for the reference strains, and between 0.125 and 1 mg.ml-1 for the clinical isolates. The MBC/MIC index characterized the extracts as bactericidal. The combinations of commercial antibiotics and extracts showed a synergistic action on the reference strains studied. The lethal concentration 50 obtained using the Artemia salina toxicity assay were higher than 1 mg.ml-1 for all the extracts, indicating a low toxicity. The in vitro activity and low toxicity suggest that ethanolic I. paraguariensis leaf extracts constitute an outstanding source for new antibacterial compounds, and further studies should be carried out to understand their mechanism of action.
Topics: Plant Extracts; Ilex paraguariensis; beta-Lactamases; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Leaves; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Bacterial Proteins; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Animals; Klebsiella pneumoniae
PubMed: 38922267
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420221129 -
Sports (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(1) Background: The popularity of motion-sensing computer-based games, like virtual reality (VR) exergames, is increasing among adolescents. However, their efficacy...
(1) Background: The popularity of motion-sensing computer-based games, like virtual reality (VR) exergames, is increasing among adolescents. However, their efficacy compared to conventional physical training methods remains unclear. This study investigated whether VR exergames produce effects on reaction time (RT) comparable to traditional tennis training in school-aged adolescents. (2) Methods: In total, 130 adolescents (mean age: 15.6 ± 2.0 years; 67 boys: 15.5 ± 2.2 years; 63 girls: 15.7 ± 1.8 years) were recruited in schools and assigned to one of three groups: VR exergame (G1, n = 39), tennis training (G2, n = 25), or control (G3, n = 66). Participants' RTs were evaluated before and after the interventions. G1 engaged in VR exergames for 8 min, G2 underwent traditional tennis training for 30 min, and G3 did not participate in any physical activity. (3) Results: Our results indicated that in G3, girls exhibited slower RTs compared to boys ( < 0.0). No differences were observed in RTs when comparing G1 and G2. (4) Conclusions: Sex appeared to influence RT, with girls showing slower RTs than boys in G3. The findings suggest that VR exergames and traditional tennis training have similar impacts on RT. This indicates the potential of VR exergames as an alternative to conventional physical training for improving RT in adolescents.
PubMed: 38921862
DOI: 10.3390/sports12060168 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Generalization of deep learning (DL) algorithms is critical for the secure implementation of computer-aided diagnosis systems in clinical practice. However, broad...
Generalization of deep learning (DL) algorithms is critical for the secure implementation of computer-aided diagnosis systems in clinical practice. However, broad generalization remains to be a challenge in machine learning. This research aims to identify and study potential factors that can affect the internal validation and generalization of DL networks, namely the institution where the images come from, the image processing applied by the X-ray device, and the type of response function of the X-ray device. For these purposes, a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) (VGG16) was trained three times for classifying COVID-19 and control chest radiographs with the same hyperparameters, but using different combinations of data acquired in two institutions by three different X-ray device manufacturers. Regarding internal validation, the addition of images from an external institution to the training set did not modify the algorithm's internal performance, however, the inclusion of images acquired by a device from a different manufacturer decreased the performance up to 8% (p < 0.05). In contrast, generalization across institutions and X-ray devices with the same type of response function was achieved. Nonetheless, generalization was not observed across devices with different types of response function. This factor was the key impediment to achieving broad generalization in our research, followed by the device's image-processing and the inter-institutional differences, which both reduced generalization performance to 18.9% (p < 0.05), and 9.8% (p < 0.05), respectively. Finally, clustering analysis with features extracted by the CNN was performed, revealing a substantial dependence of feature values extracted by the pre-trained CNN on the X-ray device which acquired the images.
Topics: Deep Learning; Humans; COVID-19; Retrospective Studies; Neural Networks, Computer; SARS-CoV-2; Radiography, Thoracic; Algorithms; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 38918499
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64941-5