Formation of Apoplastic Barriers to Radial O₂ Loss in Rice Roots: Effects of Low-O₂ and High-Fe Conditions, and the Roles of Suberin, Glycerol Esters, and Iron Plaques.

Lack of O and high concentrations of iron (Fe) are common in flooded soils where Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated. We tested the hypothesis that growing in stagnant or high Fe conditions might induce the formation of apoplastic barriers in roots with different properties and chemical compositions.

Self-Assembled Tetrahedral [CrL] Cage Displaying Near-Infrared Spin-Flip Photoluminescence.

The thermodynamically controlled self-assembly of bis-bidentate quaterpyridine ligand, L = 2,2':5',5″:2″,2‴-quaterpyridine, with Cr and subsequent oxidation to Cr yields the first photoluminescent tetrahedral [CrL] molecular cage. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals the presence of two homochiral cages (ΛΛΛΛ and ΔΔΔΔ) in the unit cell that crystallize as a racemic mixture. Additionally, a PF anion is observed inside the cavity, in line with isostructural cages built with Ni or Fe.

The ALS drug riluzole binds to the C-terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and has antiviral activity.

Nucleoproteins (N) play an essential role in virus assembly and are less prone to mutation than other viral structural proteins, making them attractive targets for drug discovery. Using an NMR fragment-based drug discovery approach, we identified the 1,3-benzothiazol-2-amine (BZT) group as a scaffold to develop potential antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein. A thorough characterization of BZT derivatives using NMR, X-ray crystallography, antiviral activity assays, and intrinsic fluorescence measurements revealed their binding in the C-terminal domain (CTD) domain of the N protein, to residues Arg 259, Trp 330, and Lys 338, coinciding with the nucleotide binding site.

CT metal artefact reduction for hip and shoulder implants using novel algorithms and machine learning: A systematic review with pairwise and network meta-analyses.

Introduction: Many tools have been developed to reduce metal artefacts in computed tomography (CT) images resulting from metallic prosthesis; however, their relative effectiveness in preserving image quality is poorly understood. This paper reviews the literature on novel metal artefact reduction (MAR) methods targeting large metal artefacts in fan-beam CT to examine their effectiveness in reducing metal artefacts and effect on image quality.

Methods: The PRISMA checklist was used to search for articles in five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, EMBASE).

Use of Milled Seashell as Fine Aggregate in Self-Compacting Mortars.

This study focuses on the feasibility of using ground seashells as fine aggregates for self-compacting mortar production. The obtained results show a promising future for coastal industries as their use eliminates waste products and improves the durability of these materials. The use of recycled aggregate, in terms of durability, improves the performance of all mixes made with seashells compared to those made with natural sand, although it decreases workability and slightly reduces mechanical strength.

Optimal planning and management strategies for minimally invasive lung segmentectomies: an international Delphi consensus report.

Objectives: CALGB140503/JCOG0802 RCTs comparing lobectomy with sublobar resection in stage IA NSCLC have confirmed the non-inferiority of segmentectomy. Additional insight is needed to improve preoperative work-up and intraoperative strategies to increase safety and promote the dissemination of minimally invasive segmentectomy (MIS). A Delphi panel study assessed the level of consensus among surgeons for the planning and management of MIS.

Associations between accurate measures of adiposity and fitness, blood proteins, and insulin sensitivity among South Asians and Europeans.

Objective: South Asians (SAs) may possess a unique predisposition to insulin resistance (IR). We explored this possibility by investigating the relationship between 'gold standard' measures of adiposity, fitness, selected proteomic biomarkers, and insulin sensitivity among a cohort of SAs and Europeans (EURs).

Methods: A total of 46 SAs and 41 EURs completed 'conventional' (lifestyle questionnaires, standard physical exam) as well as 'gold standard' (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, cardiopulmonary exercise test, and insulin suppression test) assessments of adiposity, fitness, and insulin sensitivity.

Variation in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: the INTERASPIRE study.

Background And Aims: INTERASPIRE is an international study of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, designed to measure if guideline standards for secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation are being achieved in a timely manner.

Methods: Between 2020 and 2023, adults hospitalized in the preceding 6-24 months with incident or recurrent CHD were sampled in 14 countries from all 6 World Health Organization regions and invited for a standardized interview and examination. Direct age and sex standardization was used for country-level prevalence estimation.

ARCIMBOLDO at low resolution: Verification for coiled coils and globular proteins.

Crystallography at low resolution must determine the atomic model from less experimental observations, which is challenging in the absence of a model. In addition, model bias is more severe when independent experimental data are scarce. Our methods solve the phase problem by combining the location of accurate model fragments using Phaser with density modification and interpretation of the resulting maps using SHELXE.

Physical, Thermal, and Optical Properties of Mn and Nd Containing Barium Phosphate Glasses.

This work reports on various properties and analysis of optical interactions in phosphate glasses containing red-emitting Mn and near-infrared (NIR)-emitting Nd ions, which are of interest for energy applications and solar spectral converters. The glasses were made by melting with 50PO-(48 - )BaO-2MnO-NdO ( = 0, 0.5, 1.

Machine learning allows robust classification of visceral fat in women with obesity using common laboratory metrics.

The excessive accumulation and malfunctioning of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a major determinant of increased risk of obesity-related comorbidities. Thus, risk stratification of people living with obesity according to their amount of VAT is of clinical interest. Currently, the most common VAT measurement methods include mathematical formulae based on anthropometric dimensions, often biased by human measurement errors, bio-impedance, and image techniques such as X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis, which requires specialized equipment.

Use of diagnostic tests in elderly patients consulting the emergency department. Analysis of the emergency department and elder needs cohort (EDEN-8).

Objective: Analyse the association between the use of diagnostic tests and the characteristics of older patients 65 years of age or more who consult the emergency department (ED).

Methods: We performed an analysis of the EDEN cohort that includes patients who consulted 52 Spanish EDs. The association of age, sex, and ageing characteristics with the use of diagnostic tests (blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), microbiological cultures, X-ray, computed tomography, ultrasound, invasive techniques) was studied.

Holistic Assessment of NIR-Emitting Nd-Activated Phosphate Glasses: A Structure-Property Relationship Study.

Near-infrared (NIR)-emitting phosphate glasses containing Nd ions are attractive for applications in laser materials and solar spectral converters. The composition-structure-property relation in this type of glass system is thus of interest from fundamental and applied perspectives. In this work, Nd-containing glasses were made by melting with 50PO-(50 - )BaO-NdO ( = 0, 0.

Molecular and structural basis of oligopeptide recognition by the Ami transporter system in pneumococci.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport systems are crucial for bacteria to ensure sufficient uptake of nutrients that are not produced de novo or improve the energy balance. The cell surface of the pathobiont Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is decorated with a substantial array of ABC transporters, critically influencing nasopharyngeal colonization and invasive infections. Given the auxotrophic nature of pneumococci for certain amino acids, the Ami ABC transporter system, orchestrating oligopeptide uptake, becomes indispensable in host compartments lacking amino acids.

Chest Radiograph Screening for Detecting Subclinical Tuberculosis in Asymptomatic Household Contacts, Peru.

The World Health Organization's end TB strategy promotes the use of symptom and chest radiograph screening for tuberculosis (TB) disease. However, asymptomatic early states of TB beyond latent TB infection and active disease can go unrecognized using current screening criteria. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study enrolling household contacts initially free of TB disease and followed them for the occurrence of incident TB over 1 year.

Variations in the Anatomic Morphology of the Scapular Spine and Implications on Fracture After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Introduction: This study evaluates the role of anatomic scapular morphology in acromion and scapular spine fracture (SSAF) risk after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).

Methods: Twelve scapular measurements were captured based on pilot study data, including scapular width measurements at the acromion (Z1), middle of the scapular spine (Z2), and medial to the first major angulation (Z3). Measurements were applied to 3D-CT scans from patients who sustained SSAF after RSA (SSAF group) and compared with those who did not (control group).

Impact of Lanthanide (Nd, Gd, and Yb) Ionic Field Strength on the Structure and Thermal Expansion of Phosphate Glasses.

Phosphate glasses containing Nd, Gd, and Yb as lanthanide ions are attractive for applications in laser materials, phototherapy lamps, and solar spectral converters. The composition-structure-property relation in this type of glass system is thus of interest from fundamental and applied perspectives. In this work, the impact of the differing ionic radius of Nd, Gd, and Yb and consequent field strength on the physical properties of phosphate glasses is investigated, focusing ultimately on thermal expansion effects.

Comparative Passivation of Si(100) by H and D Atmospheres under Simultaneous Xe Bombardment: An X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Analysis.

This study presents a comparison of H and D passivation on Si(100) under simultaneous Xe ion bombardment. The impact of Xe ions causes significant damage to the substrate surface, leading to an increase in H (D) retention as Si-H (Si-D) bonds. The ion bombardment conditions are precisely controlled using a Kaufman ion gun.

A stake in the game: Can radiographer image interpretation improve X-ray quality? A scoping review.

Background: Image quality is an important factor in imaging optimisation and diagnosis. Many determinants of image quality are controlled by the radiographer; therefore, radiographer-led strategies may be key to improving X-ray image quality. This review examines the literature on radiographer-led diagnostic evaluation to establish its potential to improve X-ray image quality.

Editorial Commentary: Magnetic Resonance Imaging May Underestimate Hip Femoral Version Versus Computed Tomography Scan: Both May Be Optimized Using 3-Dimensional Imaging.

Hip arthroscopy has become increasingly popular in the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Careful preoperative planning including evaluation of acetabular and femoral version is necessary to optimize outcomes. Increased femoral anteversion has been associated with microinstability, and conversely, decreased femoral version may predispose to impingement.

Photocatalytic Activity and Self-Cleaning Effect of Coating Mortars with TiO Added: Practical Cases in Warm Sub-Humid Climates.

In this study, the photocatalytic activity of coating mortars with synthetized and commercial TiO nanoparticles added has been evaluated at 2, 3 and 5% by weight of cement by calculating the degradation efficiency of methyl orange and red wine dyes exposed to both visible-light and UV radiation; also, the self-cleaning effect of coatings exposed to weather conditions (warm sub-humid climate) was assessed. TiO nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol-gel method to a low synthesis temperature and characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results show synthesized TiO particles in anatase phase with a crystallite size of 14.