Evaluating the Impact of Coculture and Cell Proximity of Different Listeria monocytogenes Strains on Time of First Division of Single Cells.

CueOs are multicopper oxidases (MCOs) involved in key biological processes related to copper homeostasis. Their physiological function is the catalytic oxidation of toxic cuprous ions (Cu+) to cupric ions (Cu2+), coupled with the reduction of O2 to water. In addition to the copper sites belonging to the classical electron transfer chain of MCOs, from Cu-T1 to the trinuclear cluster (TNC), a Cu8-site was previously identified in EcCueO crystal structures, located in close proximity to TNC. One conserved ligand of the Cu8-site is the amino acid H145, in both Cu+ and Cu2+ redox states. By designing and characterizing the H145S variant, this work demonstrates for the first time the pivotal role of H145 in the functional maturation/metalation of EcCueO active sites under conditions of low Cu2+/Cu+ availability. Moreover, we show that H145 is part of a conserved HxHxH motif in CueOs, and more generally in bacterial MCOs, suggesting a common copper-binding Cu8-site for metalation in vivo. The absence of this conserved motif in certain MCOs, or the presence of additional His/Met-rich or His-rich insertions, appears to be linked to cellular copper availability and highlights the adaptability of MCOs. Beyond this fundamental understanding of MCO metalation mechanism, this works paves the way for application in medicine and environmental copper detection.

Dual HSA and DNA affinity of a free-base porphyrin nitro-ruthenium(II) complex: Spectroscopic evaluation and photocleavage studies.

Mechanical response characteristics and influencing factors analysis of non-parallel complex subway station-tunnel groups close proximity construction

Finger flexor tendon (FT) pulleys are delicate anatomical structures whose primary function is to anchor the tendon sheaths to the underlying bone. They maintain the tendons in close proximity to the phalanges, thereby stabilizing them during finger flexion. This arrangement allows for efficient force transmission, preserves an effective lever arm, and prevents bowstringing, ensuring a full range of motion. These structures can be accurately assessed using high-resolution ultrasound (US) or high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We conducted a structured narrative literature review on the imaging of finger flexor pulley injuries in climbers, searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy combined the following keywords: "finger flexor pulley injuries," "climber's finger," "pulley rupture," "pulley tear," "rock climbing injuries," "human finger flexor pulleys," "ultrasound," and "MRI." References of selected articles were manually screened to identify additional relevant studies. Included studies addressed anatomy, biomechanics, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, imaging findings, and management of finger pulley injuries. Both experimental (cadaveric) and clinical studies were considered if they provided relevant imaging or diagnostic insights. A detailed understanding of the anatomy, biomechanics, and both normal and pathological imaging appearances of finger FT pulleys-particularly through dynamic and functional imaging-is essential for accurate assessment of traumatic injuries. This knowledge supports clinicians and surgeons in selecting the most appropriate therapeutic strategies.

A neuroimmune axis linking S100A8/9 to itch sensitization in both bullous pemphigoid and atopic dermatitis.

Phthalates pose a significant health concern because they can leach from consumer products into the environment, leading to human exposure and potential adverse health effects. This cross-sectional study investigated phthalate concentrations in house dust collected from urban and rural areas in southern Thailand, examining their associations with household characteristics and spatial distribution across two communities. Two types of dust samples (multi-surface dust and floor dust) were collected from 310 houses using a vacuum cleaner before the monsoon season (March–April 2023). Ten phthalates were quantified using isotope-dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. At least one phthalate was detected in all samples of house dust. DEHP, DnOP, and DBP were detected in 100%, 97.4%, and 88.7% of the samples, respectively, with DEHP showing the highest concentration (6,528 μg/g). The geometric mean concentration of total phthalates (Σ10PAE) was 192 μg/g. Phthalate concentrations in the urban area houses (mostly located in commercial zones) were significantly higher than those in rural area houses (p<0.005). According to the generalized linear models, phthalate concentrations were significantly associated with certain housing characteristics (e.g., household income, residential business operations, use of floor coverings) and indoor environmental factors (e.g., humidity and temperature). Households in close proximity to gas stations and vehicle repair shops appeared to have increased phthalate concentrations in dust. These findings are useful for Thailand and its local government in establishing appropriate guidelines to monitor phthalates in the environment and to reduce phthalate exposure via inhalation of contaminated household dust among Thai people . • DEHP, DnOP, and total phthalate concentrations were highly correlated with the use of floor covering, such as linoleum, plastic, or foam mats. • Households with residential business operations had significantly higher DEHP and DBP concentrations in dust than those without business operations. • Households located near gas stations or vehicle repair shops had higher phthalate concentrations in house dust. • Higher indoor temperature and humidity were associated with increased phthalate concentrations in house dust.

Evaluating Toxicity and Interaction Outcomes of Systemic Therapy and Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Oligometastatic Disease: A Secondary Analysis of the Phase 2 SABR-5 Trial.

Open dumps as a critical source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in agricultural soils of Pakistan: evidence of trifluoroacetic acid dominance.

The operation of heavy equipment on construction sites presents one of the most significant safety risks in industrial projects. In order to address these challenges and enhance both safety and efficiency within the Fadhili Increment Projects Department, a comprehensive Human-Machine Interface (HMI) safety system has been implemented. This multi-layer system integrates multiple advanced measures to enhance operational efficiency and improve personnel protection across all construction activities. First, a strict "No Foot-on-Ground" policy has been established to prevent personnel from entering active equipment zones, thereby reducing the risk of human-machine interaction during critical operations. Second, equipment alert technologies have been introduced to enhance real-time awareness for operators. Third, proximity warning alarm systems (PWAS) are used to alert workers and operators when they are in close proximity, helping to prevent potential collisions. Additionally, rear-view closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) systems have been installed on vehicles to improve visibility and support safer movement in complex environments. Finally, targeted hazard identification training has been provided to heavy equipment operators and flagmen, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and respond to potential risks. Combining advanced technologies with well-defined safety protocols, Fadhili team has set a new standard for construction safety and operational excellence within Saudi Aramco’s project portfolio

A bromine-functionalized benzimidazole-linked porous covalent organic polymer (COP) was designed and synthesized to explore its potential for xenon/krypton (Xe/Kr) separation and systematically compared with its nonbrominated analogue. The incorporation of bromine atoms protruding into the pore channels modulates the framework polarity and creates specific host-guest interactions. Gas adsorption measurements combined with isosteric heat of adsorption analyses demonstrate that bromine functionalization significantly enhances Xe uptake and Xe/Kr selectivity relative to the nonhalogenated counterpart. 129Xe nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides direct insight into the adsorption behavior, revealing a bimodal pore environment in the brominated polymer during Xe adsorption, indicative of heterogeneous binding sites. Complementary computational modeling elucidates the synergistic interplay between stronger confinement effects in the smaller pores of the brominated framework and energetically favorable adsorption sites in close proximity to the bromine functionalities. This study introduces a distinct separation mechanism for Xe/Kr based on polarity-induced specific interactions rather than conventional size-shape exclusion, offering a rare and effective example of organic porous materials for noble gas separation. The findings highlight halogen functionalization as a powerful strategy for tuning noble gas adsorption energetics and selectivity in covalent organic polymers.

Microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancers (CRC) are largely unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). The MAYA trial used temozolomide (TMZ) in MGMT-silenced MSS mCRC, hypothesizing that TMZ-induced hypermutation could sensitize tumors to ICI; the primary endpoint was met, showing durable responses with TMZ plus ipilimumab and nivolumab. We perform integrated spatial, transcriptomic, and immune profiling of longitudinal tumor and blood samples from patients treated on the MAYA trial. Post-TMZ increases in tumor mutational burden associate with improved progression-free survival. Spatial profiling demonstrates that clinical benefit is greatest in permissive tumor microenvironments. Responders exhibit enrichment of cytotoxic T cells across tumor and stromal compartments, whereas non-responders display heterogeneous cellular neighborhoods, with fibroblasts in close spatial proximity to T cells, consistent with barriers to immune-mediated clearance. Longitudinal peripheral immune profiling shows that early upregulation of TIGIT and PD-1 following TMZ exposure predicts resistance. Together, these findings indicate that both mutational evolution and spatial immune architecture contribute to immune sensitization in MGMT-silenced MSS CRC. Clinical Trial Identification: NCT03832621.

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a prevalent, monophasic, multifocal immune-mediated neuropathy. A distinctive characteristic of the disease is the occurrence of nerve or fascicle constrictions and torsions (NA-associated focal nerve lesions, NAFL). The pathophysiology underlying this phenomenon remains to be fully elucidated. This study uses an observational research design with a single center, retrospective approach. We evaluated patients who presented at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral hospital between January 1, 2022, and August 5, 2025, due to NA. In addition to evaluating clinical and neurophysiological data, two independent experts examined the available ultrasound images for the prevalence of NAFL and the presence of arterial vascular structures in the immediate vicinity. A total of 171 affected nerves from 77 patients were analyzed. The prevalence of NAFL was 31% (24/77) among all patients. In 53% of all NAFL, direct neurovascular contact could be detected. A previous mechanical trigger was identified in 71% of patients with proven NAFL but without neurovascular contact. This was the case in only 29% of patients with neurovascular contact, although this discrepancy did not attain statistical significance. The frequency of neurovascular contacts in close proximity to NAFL suggests that these contacts play a role in its pathophysiology. Such contacts, similar to mechanical tension on the nerve, could lead to a local disruption of the blood-nerve barrier. This would explain phenomena inconsistent with the current pathophysiological model, such as the lack of preference for the dominant arm and NAFL's occurrence at certain anatomical sites.

Calcium (Ca²⁺) signalling is essential for cardiomyocyte function, regulating excitation-contraction coupling and excitation-transcription coupling, and contributing to mitochondrial energy production (excitation-bioenergetics coupling). In this Review, we explore the role of Ca²⁺ microdomains, which compartmentalize Ca²⁺ signalling to ensure efficient cardiac function. We first describe the organization of these microdomains, followed by their functional importance, pathological alterations in heart failure and potential therapeutic strategies targeting key Ca²⁺-signalling mechanisms. The dyad, a crucial excitation-contraction coupling microdomain, brings L-type Ca²⁺ channels and ryanodine receptor Ca²⁺-release channels (RYR2) into close proximity, facilitating Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release for cardiomyocyte contraction. In heart failure, dyadic remodelling and altered Ca²⁺ handling contribute to cardiac contractile dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis. Emerging research shows that dyads are dynamic, rapidly adapting to modulators such as β-adrenergic signalling, offering new therapeutic targets. Under stress conditions, dyadic proteins can translocate to the nucleus to regulate gene expression. In addition to excitation-contraction coupling, which operates on a beat-to-beat basis, Ca²⁺ has additional roles in cardiomyocytes. Nuclear Ca²⁺ regulates the expression of genes related to hypertrophy, including those encoding Ca²⁺ channels and transporters. Disruptions in these microdomains drive pathological remodelling in heart failure and arrhythmias. Understanding Ca²⁺ microdomains is crucial for developing targeted interventions to restore cardiac function while minimizing pro-arrhythmic risks.

Abstract Right coronary chronic total occlusion was incidentally identified in a 67-year-old man scheduled for pulsed-field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The occluded territory was supplied by collateral flow via a bronchial-to-right coronary extracardiac collateral in close proximity to the left pulmonary vein antrum. Pre-emptive percutaneous coronary intervention to avoid reliance on this collateral enabled safe ablation.

As global temperatures rise due to carbon emissions from fossil fuels, it is estimated that around 60% of oil and gas reserves -termed 'unburnable carbon'-must remain underground to meet international climate targets. The Arctic, warming nearly four times faster than the global average, is a frontline for both climate change impacts and oil and gas development, which pose severe risks to its fragile biodiversity and Indigenous communities. This study presents the first comprehensive spatial atlas of Arctic oil and gas infrastructure using open-access data, assessing overlaps with ecologically sensitive areas and Indigenous Peoples' lands (IPLs) within the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) boundary. The analysis identified 512,306 km2 of exploited territory (1.82% of the Arctic region), 44,539 wells, 39,535 km of pipelines, and over 1.95 million km of seismic lines. Results show that 73.30% of hydrocarbon areas intersect IPLs and 7.57% overlap protected areas, with developments located in close proximity to key ecologically sensitive areas and culturally significant sites. These findings highlight the spatial overlaps and potential tensions between oil and gas industry interests and those behind the geographies of ecologically sensitive areas and IPLs, especially in zones such as Alaska's North Slope and Russia's Yamal Peninsula. The study calls for a paradigm shift in Arctic governance, from resource extraction toward equity, ecological preservation, and Indigenous inclusion. It supports the implementation of Arctic-specific supply-side climate policies, such as establishing an Arctic Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation zone, to prevent further ecological degradation and to ensure a just transition. By integrating spatial justice criteria into decision-making, this work provides a tool for guiding sustainable and inclusive land-use and energy transition planning across the region.

In urban subway construction, shield tunneling inevitably passes in close proximity to existing pile foundations, inducing adverse effects on their internal forces and deformations. Taking the twin shield tunnels with small clearance adjacent to the bridge piles as the engineering background, this study establishes a three-dimensional finite element numerical model to investigate the deformation and internal force responses of the adjacent pile foundations under different pile lengths, twin-tunnel construction sequences, and tunnel face pressure conditions. The findings indicate that the primary influence zone affected by twin-tunnel excavation extends approximately twice the tunnel diameter (2D) before and after the pile foundation location. Compared with short piles, longer piles exhibit smaller vertical displacements. Meanwhile, the lateral displacements, additional axial forces and bending moments of medium and long piles increase, with their maximum values occurring near the tunnel centerline. For the near pile, when the right tunnel is excavated first, compared with the condition of the left-tunnel-first excavation, the lateral and vertical displacements slightly increase. In addition, the maximum additional axial force increases by 38.8%, while the maximum additional bending moment decreases by approximately 21%. Tunnel face pressure exerts a moderate influence on the vertical displacement of both the surrounding soil and pile foundation, while its effect on lateral displacement and internal forces is relatively insignificant. The tunnel face pressure within the range of 200 kPa to 300 kPa provides optimal control over pile foundation deformation.

A hitherto unknown class of 14 (3)-, 30 (5)-, and 56-membered (4) azamacrocycles containing bispyrrolylphenylene moieties was synthesized via Mannich reactions and characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques. Among the observed [1 + 1 + 2], [2 + 2 + 4], [3 + 3 + 6], and [4 + 4 + 8] combinations of incorporated reactants in the crude product(s), three were isolated in pure forms. Acetate ions constrained in close proximity within the compartments of the di ([5H2]2+)- and tetraprotonated ([4H4]4+) macrocycles and one such complex existed in a dynamic equilibrium in solution.

In the germline, the mdg4 retrotransposon integrates in close proximity to the location of OVO DNA binding motifs, suggesting that insertion bias is driven by the OVO transcription factor. A classical genetic example of this is the reversion of the dominant female-sterile allele, ovoD1, by the transposition of mdg4 into the ovo promoter where OVO protein binds. We wanted to take advantage of this relationship and determine if we could recover female sterile alleles along the X chromosome due to mdg4 insertion, with the hypothesis that these would be genes that OVO binds and transcriptionally regulates in the germline. We mobilized the mdg4 retrotransposon with the use of mutants for the lncRNA gene flamenco (flam) and recovered 17 recessive female sterile alleles out of a total of 1,192 chromosomes screened. We identified 11 complementation groups, for which a mdg4 insertion was responsible for female sterility in 7 groups. Notably, a complementation group consisting of 6 alleles was found to be the result of a Doc transposable element insertion into the gene Grip91 and is potentially evidence for a Doc insertional 'hotspot' in the genome. Our screen also uncovered that 7/17 recessive female sterile chromosomes contained multiple transposable element insertions indicating that flam females derepress numerous transposable elements that can lead to multiple transposon insertions along a single chromosome, as has been suggested previously. Altogether, we found that mdg4 did have an insertion bias into OVO bound regions of the genome that can result in female sterility, however, this was the case for a minority of the female sterile alleles recovered with this method.

Abstract Verb-initial declarative sentences are rarely used in present-day German. They are currently found primarily in jokes such as Kommt ein Pferd in eine Bar ‚A horse walks into a bar‘ and are generally associated more with spoken than written language (Auer 1993; Sandig 2000). In terms of information structure, verb-initial declarative sentences in modern German are considered to be thetic expressions with sentence focus (Önnerfors 1997). Historical findings from Old High German indicate that the frequency of this sentence pattern was significantly higher at the outset of the German language’s history than it is in present-day German. Recent literature attributes this primarily to the fact that the verb-second grammar of present-day German only gradually became established in the history of the language, whereas the use of the pre-verbal position in Old High German is still considered optional (Axel 2007; Petrova 2011). Verb-initial declaratives would therefore be grammatically motivated in Old High German, as they are seen from a diachronic perspective as exponents of the transition between the declarative verb-final sentences of the pre-Old High German period and the declarative verb-second sentences of later periods in the history of the German language. However, Hinterhölzl &amp; Petrova (2005, 2011) argue that verb-initial declaratives in Old High German, like their modern German counterparts, have no sentence topic, i.e., they should be classified as thetic sentences. They therefore argue for a discourse-pragmatic motivation for the verb-initial declarative and its assignment to the concept of narrative inversion already in Old High German. Overall, there is no consensus in the literature that the history of verb-initial declarative sentences can be described as a continuous development from Old High German to present-day German. The present paper addresses this question from the perspective of Early New High German, a period in the history of the German language characterized by a sharp increase in the use of verb-initial declarative sentences. It is demonstrated that only a clear distinction between different types allows for a plausible answer to the question of the diachronic scenario of verb-initial declarative sentences in German. Based on such a typology, it can then be shown that the use of verb-initial sentences in Early New High German is primarily motivated by discourse pragmatics: In terms of discourse structure, verb-initial sentences indicate coordinating discourse relations, which, however, do not necessarily have to be narrative. In terms of information structure, verb-initial declarative sentences in Early New High German are used in particular to signal continuity between two discourse segments, which brings them into close proximity to verb-initial declarative sentences in Old Icelandic (Booth &amp; Beck 2021). Methodologically, this work is a corpus study whose corpus consists of prose novels from the Early Modern Period.