Combining Battery-Type and Pseudocapacitive Charge Storage in Ag/Ti3 C2 Tx MXene Electrode for Capturing Chloride Ions with High Capacitance and Fast Ion Transport

The recent advances in chloride-ion capturing electrodes for capacitive deionization (CDI) are limited by the capacity, rate, and stability of desalination. This work introduces Ti3 C2 Tx /Ag synthesized via a facile oxidation-reduction method and then uses it as an anode for chloride-ion capture in CDI. Silver nanoparticles are formed successfully and uniformly distributed with the layered-structure of Ti3 C2 Tx . All Ti3 C2 Tx /Ag samples are hydrophilic, which is beneficial for water desalination. Ti3 C2 Tx /Ag samples with a low charge transfer resistance exhibit both pseudocapacitive and battery behaviors. Herein, the Ti3 C2 Tx /Ag electrode with a reaction time of 3 h exhibits excellent desalination performance with a capacity of 135 mg Cl-  g-1 at 20 mA g-1 in a 10 × 10-3  m NaCl solution. Furthermore, low energy consumption of 0.42 kWh kg-1  Cl- and a desalination rate of 1.5 mg Cl-  g-1  min-1 at 50 mA g-1 is achieved. The Ti3 C2 Tx /Ag system exhibits fast rate capability, high desalination capacity, low energy consumption, and excellent cyclability, which can be ascribed to the synergistic effect between the battery and pseudocapacitive behaviors of the Ti3 C2 Tx /Ag hybrid material. This work provides fundamental insight into the coupling of battery and pseudocapacitive behaviors during Cl- capture for electrochemical desalination.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Mediate the Crosstalk Between Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells and Lactobacillus PlantarumWCFS1in an In Vitro Model with Intestinal Peristaltic Shear Force

BACKGROUND

The intestinal epithelial cells, food molecules, and gut microbiota are continuously exposed to intestinal peristaltic shear force. Shear force may impact the crosstalk of human milk oligosaccharides (hMOs) with commensal bacteria and intestinal epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated how hMOs combined with intestinal peristaltic shear force impact intestinal epithelial cells and crosstalk with a commensal bacterium.

METHODS

We applied the Ibidi system to mimic intestinal peristaltic shear force. Caco-2 cells were exposed to a shear force (5 dynes/cm2) for 3 d, and then stimulated with the hMOs, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), 3-FL, and lacto-N-triose II (LNT2). In separate experiments, Lactobacillus plantarumWCFS1 adhesion to Caco-2 cells was studied with the same hMOs and shear force. Effects were tested on gene expression of glycocalyx-related molecules (glypican 1 [GPC1], hyaluronan synthase 1 [HAS1], HAS2, HAS3, exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 [EXT1], EXT2), defensin β-1 (DEFB1), and tight junction (tight junction protein 1 [TJP1], claudin 3 [CLDN3]) in Caco-2 cells. Protein expression of tight junctions was also quantified.

RESULTS

Shear force dramatically decreased gene expression of the main enzymes for making glycosaminoglycan side chains (HAS3 by 43.3% and EXT1 by 68.7%) (P <0.01), but did not affect GPC1 which is the gene responsible for the synthesis of glypican 1 which is a major protein backbone of glycocalyx. Expression of DEFB1, TJP1, and CLDN3 genes was decreased 60.0-94.9% by shear force (P <0.001). The presence of L. plantarumWCFS1 increased GPC1, HAS2, HAS3, and ZO-1 expression by 1.78- to 3.34-fold (P <0.05). Under shear force, all hMOs significantly stimulated DEFB1 and ZO-1, whereas only 3-FL and LNT2 enhanced L. plantarumWCFS1 adhesion by 1.85- to 1.90-fold (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

3-FL and LNT2 support the crosstalk between the commensal bacterium L. plantarumWCFS1 and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells, and shear force can increase the modulating effects of hMOs.

Photo-Induced Ruthenium-Catalyzed Double Remote C(sp2 )-H / C(sp3 )-H Functionalizations by Radical Relay

Distal C(sp2 )-H and C(sp3 )-H functionalizations have recently emerged as step-economical tools for molecular synthesis. However, while the C(sp2 )-C(sp3 ) construction is of fundamental importance, its formation through double remote C(sp2 )-H/C(sp3 )-H activation has proven elusive. By merging the ruthenium-catalyzed meta-C(sp2 )-H functionalization with an aliphatic hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process, we, herein, describe the catalyzed twofold remote C(sp2 )-H/C(sp3 )-H functionalizations via photo-induced ruthenium-mediated radical relay. Thus, meta-C(sp2 )-H arene bonds and remote C(sp3 )-H alkane bonds were activated by a single catalyst in a single operation. This process was accomplished at room temperature by visible light-notably without exogenous photocatalysts. Experimental and computational theory studies uncovered a manifold comprising ortho-C-H activation, single-electron-transfer (SET), 1,n-HAT (n=5-7) and σ-activation by means of a single ruthenium(II) catalyst.

N 2-methylguanosine modifications on human tRNAs and snRNA U6 are important for cell proliferation, protein translation and pre-mRNA splicing

Modified nucleotides in non-coding RNAs, such as tRNAs and snRNAs, represent an important layer of gene expression regulation through their ability to fine-tune mRNA maturation and translation. Dysregulation of such modifications and the enzymes installing them have been linked to various human pathologies including neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers. Several methyltransferases (MTases) are regulated allosterically by human TRMT112 (Trm112 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae), but the interactome of this regulator and targets of its interacting MTases remain incompletely characterized. Here, we have investigated the interaction network of human TRMT112 in intact cells and identify three poorly characterized putative MTases (TRMT11, THUMPD3 and THUMPD2) as direct partners. We demonstrate that these three proteins are active N2-methylguanosine (m2G) MTases and that TRMT11 and THUMPD3 methylate positions 10 and 6 of tRNAs, respectively. For THUMPD2, we discovered that it directly associates with the U6 snRNA, a core component of the catalytic spliceosome, and is required for the formation of m2G, the last 'orphan' modification in U6 snRNA. Furthermore, our data reveal the combined importance of TRMT11 and THUMPD3 for optimal protein synthesis and cell proliferation as well as a role for THUMPD2 in fine-tuning pre-mRNA splicing.

Temperature-Controlled Solvent Vapor Annealing of Thin Block Copolymer Films

Solvent vapor annealing is as an effective and versatile alternative to thermal annealing to equilibrate and control the assembly of polymer chains in thin films. Here, we present scientific and practical aspects of the solvent vapor annealing method, including the discussion of such factors as non-equilibrium conformational states and chain dynamics in thin films in the presence of solvent. Homopolymer and block copolymer films have been used in model studies to evaluate the robustness and the reproducibility of the solvent vapor processing, as well as to assess polymer-solvent interactions under confinement. Advantages of utilizing a well-controlled solvent vapor environment, including practically interesting regimes of weakly saturated vapor leading to poorly swollen states, are discussed. Special focus is given to dual temperature control over the set-up instrumentation and to the potential of solvo-thermal annealing. The evaluated insights into annealing dynamics derived from the studies on block copolymer films can be applied to improve the processing of thin films of crystalline and conjugated polymers as well as polymer composite in confined geometries.

Enhancer-Gene Interaction Analyses Identified the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor as a Susceptibility Gene for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Genetic interactions are known to play an important role in the missing heritability problem for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Interactions between enhancers and their target genes play important roles in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to identify genetic interactions between enhancers and their target genes associated with T2DM.

Methods

We performed genetic interaction analyses of enhancers and protein-coding genes for T2DM in 2,696 T2DM patients and 3,548 controls of European ancestry. A linear regression model was used to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) pairs that could affect the expression of the protein-coding genes. Differential expression analyses were used to identify differentially expressed susceptibility genes in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.

Results

We identified one SNP pair, rs4947941×rs7785013, significantly associated with T2DM (combined P=4.84×10-10). The SNP rs4947941 was annotated as an enhancer, and rs7785013 was located in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. This SNP pair was significantly associated with EGFR expression in the pancreas (P=0.033), and the minor allele "A" of rs7785013 decreased EGFR gene expression and the risk of T2DM with an increase in the dosage of "T" of rs4947941. EGFR expression was significantly upregulated in T2DM patients, which was consistent with the effect of rs4947941×rs7785013 on T2DM and EGFR expression. A functional validation study using the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) database showed that EGFR was associated with diabetes-relevant phenotypes.

Conclusion

Genetic interaction analyses of enhancers and protein-coding genes suggested that EGFR may be a novel susceptibility gene for T2DM.

Programming and Dynamic Control of the Circular Polarization of Luminescence from an Achiral Fluorescent Dye in a Liquid Crystal Host by Molecular Motors

Circular polarized light is utilized in communication and display technologies and a major challenge is to develop systems that can be switched between left and right circular polarized luminescence with high degrees of polarization and enable multiple addressable stable states. Luminescent dyes in Liquid Crystal (LC) cholesteric phases are attractive systems to generate, amplify and modulate circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). In the present study, we employ light-driven molecular motors as photo-controlled chiral dopants in LCs to switch the handedness of the LC and the circular polarization of luminescence from an achiral dye embedded in the mesogenic material. Tuning of the color of the CPL and the retention time of the photoprogrammed helicity is demonstrated making use of a variety of motors and dyes. The flexibility offered by the design based on inherently chiral unidirectional rotary motors provides full control over CPL non-invasively by light, opening possibilities for pixilated displays with externally addressable polarization.

Pyridine Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes: Unveiling the Role of External Pyridinic Nitrogen Sites for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Pyridinic nitrogen has been recognized as the primary active site in nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is a critical process in many renewable energy devices. However, the preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts comprised of exclusively pyridinic nitrogen remains challenging, as well as understanding the precise ORR mechanisms on the catalyst. Herein, a novel process is developed using pyridyne reactive intermediates to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exclusively with pyridine rings for ORR electrocatalysis. The relationship between the structure and ORR performance of the prepared materials is studied in combination with density functional theory calculations to probe the ORR mechanism on the catalyst. Pyridinic nitrogen can contribute to a more efficient 4-electron reaction pathway, while high level of pyridyne functionalization result in negative structural effects, such as poor electrical conductivity, reduced surface area, and small pore diameters, that suppressed the ORR performance. This study provides insights into pyridine-doped CNTs-functionalized for the first time via pyridyne intermediates-as applied in the ORR and is expected to serve as valuable inspiration in designing high-performance electrocatalysts for energy applications.

Salivary AMY1 Copy Number Variation Modifies Age-Related Type 2 Diabetes Risk

BACKGROUND

Copy number variation (CNV) in the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) modulates salivary α-amylase levels and is associated with postprandial glycemic traits. Whether AMY1-CNV plays a role in age-mediated change in insulin resistance (IR) is uncertain.

METHODS

We measured AMY1-CNV using duplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in two studies, the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS, n = 749) and the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drug and Diet Network study (GOLDN, n = 980), and plasma metabolomic profiles in the BPRHS. We examined the interaction between AMY1-CNV and age by assessing the relationship between age with glycemic traits and type 2 diabetes (T2D) according to high or low copy numbers of the AMY1 gene. Furthermore, we investigated associations between metabolites and interacting effects of AMY1-CNV and age on T2D risk.

RESULTS

We found positive associations of IR with age among subjects with low AMY1-copy-numbers in both studies. T2D was marginally correlated with age in participants with low AMY1-copy-numbers but not with high AMY1-copy-numbers in the BPRHS. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis identified the pentose metabolic pathway based on metabolites that were associated with both IR and the interactions between AMY1-CNV and age. Moreover, in older participants, high AMY1-copy-numbers tended to be associated with lower levels of ribonic acid, erythronic acid, and arabinonic acid, all of which were positively associated with IR.

CONCLUSIONS

We found evidence supporting a role of AMY1-CNV in modifying the relationship between age and IR. Individuals with low AMY1-copy-numbers tend to have increased IR with advancing age.

An Enhanced Progressive Damage Model for Laminated Fiber-Reinforced Composites Using the 3D Hashin Failure Criterion: A Multi-Level Analysis and Validation

This paper presents a progressive damage model (PDM) based on the 3D Hashin failure criterion within the ABAQUS/ExplicitTM 2021 framework via a VUMAT subroutine, enhancing the characterization of the mechanical performance and damage evolution in the elastic and softening stages of composite materials via the accurate calculation of damage variables and accommodation of non-monotonic loading conditions. In the subsequent multi-level verification, it is found that the model accurately simulates the primary failure modes at the element level and diminishes the influence of element size, ensuring a reliable behavior representation under non-monotonic loading. At the laminate level, it also accurately forecasts the elastic behavior and damage evolution in open-hole lamina and laminates, demonstrating the final crack band at ultimate failure. This paper also emphasizes the importance of correct characteristic length selection and how to minimize mesh size impact by selecting appropriate values. Compared to ABAQUS's built-in 2D model, the 3D VUMAT subroutine shows superior accuracy and effectiveness, proving its value in characterizing the mechanical behavior and damage mechanisms of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials. The enhanced 3D PDM accurately characterizes the softening processes in composite materials under simple or complex stress states during monotonic or non-monotonic loading, effectively minimizes the mesh dependency, and reasonably captures failure crack bands, making it suitable for future simulations and resolutions of numerical issues in composite material models under complex, three-dimensional stress states.

Colossal Reversible Barocaloric Effects in a Plastic Crystal Mediated by Lattice Vibrations and Ion Diffusion

Solid-state methods for cooling and heating promise a sustainable alternative to current compression cycles of greenhouse gases and inefficient fuel-burning heaters. Barocaloric effects (BCE) driven by hydrostatic pressure (p) are especially encouraging in terms of large adiabatic temperature changes (|ΔT| ≈ 10 K) and isothermal entropy changes (|ΔS| ≈ 100 J K-1 kg-1). However, BCE typically require large pressure shifts due to irreversibility issues, and sizeable |ΔT| and |ΔS| seldom are realized in a same material. Here, the existence of colossal and reversible BCE in LiCB11H12 is demonstrated near its order-disorder phase transition at ≈380 K. Specifically, for Δp ≈ 0.23 (0.10) GPa, |ΔSrev| = 280 (200) J K-1 kg-1 and |ΔTrev| = 32 (10) K are measured, which individually rival with state-of-the-art BCE figures. Furthermore, pressure shifts of the order of 0.1 GPa yield huge reversible barocaloric strengths of ≈2 J K-1 kg-1 MPa-1. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to quantify the role of lattice vibrations, molecular reorientations, and ion diffusion on the disclosed BCE. Interestingly, lattice vibrations are found to contribute the most to |ΔS| while the diffusion of lithium ions, despite adding up only slightly to the entropy change, is crucial in enabling the molecular order-disorder phase transition.

Ancient Secretory Pathways Contributed to the Evolutionary Origin of an Ecologically Impactful Bioluminescence System

Evolutionary innovations in chemical secretion-such as the production of secondary metabolites, pheromones, and toxins-profoundly impact ecological interactions across a broad diversity of life. These secretory innovations may involve a "legacy-plus-innovation" mode of evolution, whereby new biochemical pathways are integrated with conserved secretory processes to create novel products. Among secretory innovations, bioluminescence is important because it evolved convergently many times to influence predator-prey interactions, while often producing courtship signals linked to increased rates of speciation. However, whether or not deeply conserved secretory genes are used in secretory bioluminescence remains unexplored. Here, we show that in the ostracod Vargula tsujii, the evolutionary novel c-luciferase gene is co-expressed with many conserved genes, including those related to toxin production and high-output protein secretion. Our results demonstrate that the legacy-plus-innovation mode of secretory evolution, previously applied to sensory modalities of olfaction, gustation, and nociception, also encompasses light-producing signals generated by bioluminescent secretions. This extension broadens the paradigm of secretory diversification to include not only chemical signals but also bioluminescent light as an important medium of ecological interaction and evolutionary innovation.

New Cathode Materials in the Fe-PO4 -F Chemical Space for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Storage

Sodium and iron make up the perfect combination for the growing demand for sustainable energy storage systems, given the natural abundance and sustainability of the two building block elements. However, most sodium-iron electrode chemistries are plagued by intrinsic low energy densities with continuous ongoing efforts to solve this. Herein, the chemical space of a series of (meta)stable, off-stoichiometric Fe-PO4 -F phases is analyzed. Some are found to display markedly improved electrochemical activity for sodium storage, as compared to the amorphous or thermodynamically stable phases of equivalent composition. The metastable crystalline Na1.2 Fe1.2 PO4 F0.6 delivers a reversible capacity of more than 140 mAh g-1 with an average discharge potential of 2.9 V (vs Na+ /Na0 ) resulting in a practical specific energy density of 400 Wh kg-1 (estimated at the material level), outperforming many developed Fe-PO4 analogs thus far, with further multiple possibilities to be explored toward improved energy storage metrics. Overall, this study unlocks the possibilities of off-stoichiometric Fe-PO4 -F cathode materials and reveals the importance to explore the oft-overlooked metastable or transient state materials for energy storage.

Maltose accumulation-induced cell death in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Pretreatment of lignocellulose yields a complex sugar mixture that potentially can be converted into bioethanol and other chemicals by engineered yeast. One approach to overcome competition between sugars for uptake and metabolism is the use of a consortium of specialist strains capable of efficient conversion of single sugars. Here, we show that maltose inhibits cell growth of a xylose-fermenting specialist strain IMX730.1 that is unable to utilize glucose because of the deletion of all hexokinase genes. The growth inhibition cannot be attributed to a competition between maltose and xylose for uptake. The inhibition is enhanced in a strain lacking maltase enzymes (dMalX2) and completely eliminated when all maltose transporters are deleted. High-level accumulation of maltose in the dMalX2 strain is accompanied by a hypotonic-like transcriptional response, while cells are rescued from maltose-induced cell death by the inclusion of an extracellular osmolyte such as sorbitol. These data suggest that maltose-induced cell death is due to high levels of maltose uptake causing hypotonic-like stress conditions and can be prevented through engineering of the maltose transporters. Transporter engineering should be included in the development of stable microbial consortia for the efficient conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks.

Dissecting negative effects of two root-associated bacteria on the growth of an invasive weed

Plant-associated microorganisms can negatively influence plant growth, which makes them potential biocontrol agents for weeds. Two Gammaproteobacteria, Serratia plymuthica and Pseudomonas brassicacearum, isolated from roots of Jacobaea vulgaris, an invasive weed, negatively affect its root growth. We examined whether the effects of S. plymuthica and P. brassicacearum on J. vulgaris through root inoculation are concentration-dependent and investigated if these effects were mediated by metabolites in bacterial suspensions. We also tested whether the two bacteria negatively affected seed germination and seedling growth through volatile emissions. Lastly, we investigated the host specificity of these two bacteria on nine other plant species. Both bacteria significantly reduced J. vulgaris root growth after root inoculation, with S. plymuthica showing a concentration-dependent pattern in vitro. The cell-free supernatants of both bacteria did not affect J. vulgaris root growth. Both bacteria inhibited J. vulgaris seed germination and seedling growth via volatiles, displaying distinct volatile profiles. However, these negative effects were not specific to J. vulgaris. Both bacteria negatively affect J. vulgaris through root inoculation via the activity of bacterial cells, while also producing volatiles that hinder J. vulgaris germination and seedling growth. However, their negative effects extend to other plant species, limiting their potential for weed control.

Benzo-Fused BOPAM Fluorophores: Synthesis, Post-functionalization, Photophysical Properties and Acid sensing Applications

A novel category of asymmetric boron chromophores with the attachment of two BF2 moieties denoted as BOPAM has been successfully synthesized via a one-pot three-step reaction starting from N-phenylbenzothioamide. This synthetic route results in the production of [a] and [b]benzo-fused BOPAMs along with post-functionalization of the [a]benzo-fused BOPAMs. The photophysical properties of these compounds have been systematically investigated through steady-state absorption and fluorescence emission measurements in solvents at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures, as well as in the solid state. Computational methods have been employed to elucidate the emissive characteristics of the benzo-fused BOPAMs, revealing distinctive photophysical attributes, including solvent-dependent fluorescence intensity. Remarkably, certain BOPAM derivatives exhibit noteworthy photophysical phenomena, such as the induction of off-on fluorescence emission under specific solvent conditions and the manifestation of intermolecular charge transfer states in solid-state matrices. Through post-functionalization strategies involving the introduction of electron-donating groups onto the [a]benzo-fused BOPAM scaffold, an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) pathway is activated, leading to substantial fluorescence quenching via non-radiative decay processes. Notably, one [a]benzo-fused BOPAM variant exhibits a pronounced fluorescence enhancement upon exposure to acidic conditions, thereby underscoring its potential utility in pH-sensing applications.

A Scalable and Robust Water Management Strategy for PEMFCs: Operando Electrothermal Mapping and Neutron Imaging Study

Effective water management is crucial for the optimal operation of low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Excessive liquid water production can cause flooding in the gas diffusion electrodes and flow channels, limiting mass transfer and reducing PEMFC performance. To tackle this issue, a nature-inspired chemical engineering (NICE) approach has been adopted that takes cues from the integument structure of desert-dwelling lizards for passive water transport. By incorporating engraved, capillary microchannels into conventional flow fields, PEMFC performance improves significantly, including a 15% increase in maximum power density for a 25 cm2 cell and 13% for a 100 cm2 cell. Electro-thermal maps of the lizard-inspired flow field demonstrate a more uniform spatial distribution of current density and temperature than the conventional design. Neutron radiography provides evidence that capillary microchannels in the lizard-inspired flow field facilitate the efficient transport and removal of generated liquid water, thereby preventing blockages in the reactant channels. These findings present a universally applicable and highly efficient water management strategy for PEMFCs, with the potential for widespread practical implementation for other electrochemical devices.

Genetic confounding in the association of early motor development with childhood and adolescent exercise behavior

INTRODUCTION

Early motor development has been found to be a predictor of exercise behavior in children and adolescents, but whether this reflects a causal effect or confounding by genetic or shared environmental factors remains to be established.

METHODS

For 20,911 complete twin pairs from the Netherlands Twin Register a motor development score was obtained from maternal reports on the timing of five motor milestones. During a 12-year follow-up, subsamples of the mothers reported on the twins' ability to perform seven gross motor skills ability (N = 17,189 pairs), and weekly minutes of total metabolic equivalents of task (MET) spent on sports and exercise activities at age 7 (N = 3632 pairs), age 10 (N = 3735 pairs), age 12 (N = 7043 pairs), and age 14 (N = 3990 pairs). Multivariate phenotypic and genetic regression analyses were used to establish the predictive strength of the two motor development traits for future exercise behavior, the contribution of genetic and shared environmental factors to the variance in all traits, and the contribution of familial confounding to the phenotypic prediction.

RESULTS

Significant heritability (h2) and shared environmental (c2) effects were found for early motor development in boys and girls (h2 = 43-65%; c2 = 16-48%). For exercise behavior, genetic influences increased with age (boys: h2age7 = 22% to h2age14 = 51%; girls: h2age7 = 3% to h2age14 = 18%) paired to a parallel decrease in the influence of the shared environment (boys: c2age7 = 68% to c2age14 = 19%; girls: c2age7 = 80% to c2age14 = 48%). Early motor development explained 4.3% (p < 0.001) of the variance in future exercise behavior in boys but only 1.9% (p < 0.001) in girls. If the effect in boys was due to a causal effect of motor development on exercise behavior, all of the factors influencing motor development would, through the causal chain, also influence future exercise behavior. Instead, only the genetic parts of the regression of exercise behavior on motor development were significant. Shared and unique environmental parts of the regression were largely non-significant, which is at odds with the causal hypothesis.

CONCLUSION

No support was found for a direct causal effect in the association between rapid early motor development on future exercise behavior. In boys, early motor development appears to be an expression of the same genetic factors that underlie the heritability of childhood and early adolescent exercise behavior.

Effects of the Amylose/Amylopectin Ratio of Starch on Borax-Crosslinked Hydrogels

Herein, we simultaneously prepared borax-crosslinked starch-based hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties and self-healing ability via a simple one-pot method. The focus of this work is to study the effects of the amylose/amylopectin ratio of starch on the grafting reactions and the performance of the resulting borax-crosslinked hydrogels. An increase in the amylose/ amylopectin ratio increased the gel fraction and grafting ratio but decreased the swelling ratio and pore diameter. Compared with hydrogels prepared from low-amylose starches, hydrogels prepared from high-amylose starches showed pronouncedly increased network strength, and the maximum storage modulus increased by 8.54 times because unbranched amylose offered more hydroxyl groups to form dynamic borate ester bonds with borate ions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds, leading to an enhanced crosslink density. In addition, all the hydrogels exhibited a uniformly interconnected network structure. Furthermore, owing to the dynamic borate ester bonds and hydrogen bonds, the hydrogel exhibited excellent recovery behavior under continuous step strain, and it also showed thermal responsiveness.

Ibrexafungerp prolongs survival and reduces the eumycetoma grain size in Galleria mellonella infection models of two different causative agents of eumycetoma

OBJECTIVES

Eumycetoma is a neglected tropical fungal disease of the subcutaneous tissue that is currently not treatable with medication only. Standard itraconazole therapy is combined with surgical excision of the lesion. Recently, ibrexafungerp, a novel oral antifungal agent inhibiting 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. In this study we determined the in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of ibrexafungerp in eumycetoma causative agents.

METHODS

In vitro activity of ibrexafungerp and itraconazole was determined against 30 Madurella and 7 Falciformispora isolates by standardized in vitro susceptibility assays. The in vivo efficacy of ibrexafungerp, itraconazole and the combination of ibrexafungerp and itraconazole was determined by measuring the 10 day survival in M. mycetomatis and F. senegalensis grain models in Galleria mellonella larvae. Grain number and size were determined in Grocott- and haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections.

RESULTS

Ibrexafungerp inhibited the growth of Madurella and Falciformispora species with MICs ranging from 4 to 64 mg/L and from 8 to 32 mg/L, respectively. In G. mellonella larvae, ibrexafungerp was not toxic and prolonged the survival in M. mycetomatis-infected larvae 10 days after infection, but not in F. senegalensis-infected larvae. Combining ibrexafungerp with itraconazole prolonged the survival of M. mycetomatis- and F. senegalensis-infected larvae. Treatment with ibrexafungerp alone and in combination resulted in smaller grains in M. mycetomatis-infected larvae.

CONCLUSIONS

Ibrexafungerp showed in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy against the two most common eumycetoma causative agents.