Low Activity Research Articles

Quality of life, pain, depression, fatigue and sleep in patients with remission or mild fibromyalgia: a comparison with remission or low disease activity rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls

BackgroundFibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by widespread pain and various accompanying symptoms. Compared to healthy individuals and other rheumatic disease patients, it leads to more severe symptoms and a lower quality of life. Whether fibromyalgia patients in a mild activity or remission stage still experience core symptoms remains unclear.ObjectiveTo compare the severity of clinical symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with remission or mild fibromyalgia (RFM) and remission or low disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RRA) patients and healthy controls (HCs) to investigate whether fibromyalgia in a stable stage can be disease-free.MethodsThis cross-sectional study evaluated a total of 266 RFM and 252 RRA patients and 50 HCs using Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36).ResultsThe FIQR total score and pain VAS, MFI, and PSQI scores were higher in RFM and RRA patients compared to HCs (P < 0.001). RFM patients had higher BDI and WPI scores than RRA patients (P < 0.001). The majority of RFM patients (97.4%) had more than two pain sites, with moderate-to-severe pain (78.2%), sleep disorders (85.0%), and depression (53.4%), all of which were significantly higher than those in RRA patients (P < 0.001). RFM patients also had lower scores in SF-36 physical and mental component summaries and subscores for role physical, pain index, general health perception, vitality, and mental health index, but a higher social functioning score than RRA patients (P < 0.001).ConclusionDespite being in a mild activity or remission stage, RFM patients experience more severe symptoms and poorer QOL than RRA patients. Therefore, individualized evaluation and intensive management are required.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02449395, registered on May 20, 2015.

The global, regional, and national disease burden of colorectal cancer attributable to low physical activity from 1990 to 2021: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

ObjectivesThis study aims to estimate the spatiotemporal variation in the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) attributable to low physical activity (LPA) at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021.Study designCross-sectional study.MethodsAnnual data on deaths of CRC related to LPA, age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and the age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021 was extracted from the Global Health Data Exchange website. They were retrieved by age (5-year age groups from 25 to 94 years, and 95+ years), gender (male and female), and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). The association between age-standardized rates and SDI values was assessed by Spearman’s correlation.ResultsBetween 1990 and 2021, there was nearly a twofold increase in DALYs and mortality globally for CRC related to LPA, despite decreases in ASMR and ASDR (EAPC: −0.82% and −0.83%, respectively). However, on a national scale, ASMR and ASDR increased in more than half of the world’s countries and territories. Moreover, a greater burden of CRC related to LPA was observed in older populations, females, and those residing in regions with an SDI near 0.77.ConclusionThese findings indicate the critical need to raise awareness about the preventive role of physical activity in CRC. Policymakers should prioritize developing and implementing strategies that ensure equitable access to sports resources, enabling more people to meet the World Health Organization guidelines.

Relationship of modifiable risk factors with the incidence of thyroid cancer: a worldwide study

BackgroundThyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers of the endocrine system. The incidence of this cancer has increased in many countries. Many cases of thyroid cancer do not have any symptoms. This cancer has different risk factors. Some of them are unchangeable and some can be changed and modified. So, it is necessary to identify these risk factors. Therefore, this global study was conducted for the first time to investigate the correlation between the age-standardized incidence rate of thyroid cancer (ASIR) and some modifiable risk factors worldwide.MethodsThe data of this global ecological research has been collected on the official website of health data (https://www.healthdata.org/) for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation. Finally, statistical modeling was done using Generalized Additive Model (GAM). Statistical analyzes were performed using R version 4.2.2 software.ResultsASIR of thyroid cancer has a positive and significant correlation with tobacco, Secondhand smoke (SHS), mean BMI, and low physical activity. Multiple GAM showed that gender, alcohol consumption, smoking, SHS, mean BMI, and low physical activity have a statistically significant relationship with the ASIR of thyroid cancer (All Relative Risk > 1).ConclusionThis study showed that the risk of thyroid cancer is higher in women than men. Smoking, alcohol, obesity, and low physical activity may be risk factors for ASIR of thyroid cancer. Also, this study, for the first time globally, hypothesized an association between exposure to secondhand smoke and ASIR of thyroid cancer. To prevent and accurately control thyroid cancer, there is a need to increase awareness about the modifiable risk factors of this cancer.

Three-Dimensional SERS-Active Hydrogel Microbeads Enable Highly Sensitive Homogeneous Phase Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase in Biosystems.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a biomarker for many diseases, and monitoring its activity level is important for disease diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we used the microdroplet technology combined with an in situ laser-induced polymerization method to prepare the Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) doped hydrogel microbeads (HMBs) with adjustable pore sizes that allow small molecules to enter while blocking large molecules. The AgNPs embedded in the hydrogel microspheres can provide SERS activity, improving the SERS signal of small molecules that diffuse to the AgNPs. A specific hydrolysis reaction of ALP on 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate (BCIP) was introduced and itsproduct 5,5'-dibromo-4,4'-dichloro-1H,1H-[2,2']bisindolyl-3,3'-dione (BCI) was employed to assess ALP activity due to its highly resonance Raman activity. The sensing platform was applied to model ALP activity in serum and evaluate ALP inhibitors. The SERS assay showed higher sensitivity than UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, with the lowest detectable ALP concentration of 1.0 × 10-20 M. In addition, the ALP activity in HepG2 cells was evaluated using this sensing platform, showing lower ALP-expressing activity than that of controls in response to hypoxia and iron metastasis. This SERS-activated HMB shows great potential in detecting ALP and is expected to help analyze complex clinical samples.

Association of -607C/A (rs1946518) and -137G/C (rs187238) polymorphisms and immune response in radiation-exposed workers

Purpose Interleukin-18, transforming growth factor-β, and superoxide dismutase are important cytokines and antioxidants in protecting the body from damage caused by radiation exposure through an immune response mechanism. Genetic polymorphisms −607 C/A and −137 G/C are thought to affect the IL-18 cytokine in carrying out its function as a biomarker to indicate adverse conditions due to radiation. The purposes of this study were to investigate the association between 607 C/A and −137 G/C SNPs on the concentrations of IL-18, and to measure TGF-β and SOD activity in radiation workers and control group. Material and method We enrolled 40 radiation workers and 40 non-radiation workers as a control group. We determined genotype distribution of −607 C/A and −137 G/C SNPs and their correlation with IL-18 concentration by using PCR-RFLP method. We also measured the IL-18, TGF-β concentration, and SOD activity by using Elisa assay. Results and conclusion No relationship was found between −607 C/A and −137 G/C on IL-18 concentrations in all genotype groups, and no significant difference in IL-18 and TGF-β concentrations in the radiation worker and control groups. Significant differences were found only in lower SOD activity in radiation workers compared to controls. The −607 C/A and −137 G/C did not significantly correlate with IL-18 cytokine production in all genotypes. There was no significant difference between IL-18 and TGF-β concentrations in the radiation worker and control groups. However, there was a very significant decrease in the SOD activity of the radiation workers by 3.31 times compared to the controls.

Construction of Escherichia coli cell factory for efficient synthesis of indigo.

Indigo is widely used in dyes, medicines and semiconductors materials due to its excellent dyeing efficiency, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-corrosion, and thermostability properties. Here, a biosynthetic pathway for indigo was designed, integrating two enzymes (EcTnaA, MaFMO) into a higher L-tryptophan-producing the strain Escherichia coli TRP. However, the lower catalytic activity of MaFMO was a bottleneck for increasing indigo titers. To overcome this limitation, the enzyme activity of MaFMO was enhanced through mechanism-guided rational design. The optimal mutant obtained in this study, MaFMOD197E, whose kcat/Km was 1.34 times that of the wild type, and its specific activity was 2.36 times that of the wild type. In addition, the expression levels of EcTnaA and MaFMOD197E were regulated by optimizing the promoters and increasing the copy number to generate the strain E. coli IND-13. Finally, in the optimal fermentation conditions (220 rpm, 0.05% Tween-80), the strain E. coli IND-13 achieved the indigo titer of 568.52 mg/L in a 5-L bioreactor, with the yield and productivity of 2.62 mg/g and 12.96 mg/L/h (the highest to date), respectively. The results presented here can lay a foundation for further construction of cell factories for indigo and its derivatives with industrial application potential.

The Relationship Between a Mediterranean Diet and Frailty in Older Adults: NHANES 2007–2017

Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome of significant public health concern that causes vulnerability to physiologic stressors and an increased risk of mortality and hospitalizations. Dietary intake and quality are contributing factors to the development of frailty. The Mediterranean diet is known to be one of the healthiest eating patterns with promising health impacts for prevention. We evaluated the association between Mediterranean diet patterns and frailty status. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2007 to 2017. We included 7300 participants aged &gt; 60 years who completed the first day of a 24 h diet recall and had full covariate data. We constructed an alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED) score based on the quantity of specific food-group intake and categorized participants to low-, moderate-, and high-adherence groups (aMED adherence scores of 0–2, 3–4, and 5–9, respectively). Using a modified Fried Frailty phenotype (weakness, low physical activity, exhaustion, slow walking speed, and weight loss), participants were categorized as robust (met no criteria), pre-frail (met one or two criteria), and frail (met three or more criteria). Logistic regression evaluated the association of frailty (prefrail/robust as referent) and aMED adherence. Results: Included participants were mainly female (54.5%) and non-Hispanic White (80.0%). The mean (SD) aMED score was 3.6 (1.6) with 45% of participants falling into moderate aMED adherence (26% low adherence, 30% high adherence). Frailty prevalence among participants was 7.1%, with most participants classified as robust (51.0%) or pre-frail (41.9%). Fully adjusted models showed significantly reduced odds of frailty with moderate-adherence and high-adherence groups (odds ratio (95%CI) of 0.71 (0.55, 0.92) and 0.52 (0.36, 0.75), respectively). Conclusions: Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with decreased odds of frailty in older adults. These findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may play a critical role in mitigating frailty and its associated conditions. Future research should include longitudinal and interventional studies that can definitively determine the effect of a Mediterranean diet on frailty and what food components provide the greatest benefit.

Cardiovascular risk profiling among South Asian adults in Hong Kong: a latent class analysis

BackgroundSouth Asians living in urbanized settings are facing disproportionate cardiovascular burden largely attributable to modifiable risk factors. Given the rapid surge in South Asian population in Hong Kong, this study aims to identify and distinguish clusters of cardiovascular risk profiles among community-dwelling South Asian adults.MethodsBetween June 2022 and December 2023, 1181 South Asian adults were recruited through territory-wide outreach health assessments on lifestyle, psychological distress, obesity, clinical cardiovascular conditions, and sociodemographic factors. Latent class analysis was performed to classify the cardiovascular profiles, followed by multinomial logistic regression to identify the sociodemographic characteristics across classes.ResultsFive latent classes were identified: low risk (19.6%), lifestyle risk plus distress (8.9%), obesity risk (33.4%), lifestyle risk plus distress with obesity (26.6%), and high clinical risk (11.4%). Apart from the higher clinical risk in older adults, women tended to cluster into classes with obesity, while men and the economically active were more likely in classes with poorer lifestyles and stress. Pakistani and Nepalese consistently exhibited higher risks compared to Indians, whereas the less educated tended to cluster into the high clinical risk class.ConclusionThis study revealed distinct cardiovascular risk patterns and sociodemographic features within the South Asian community in Hong Kong. The heavy burden on obesity especially in women, lifestyle and psychological risks especially in men, and low overall physical activity level may be translated into a tremendous cardiovascular disease burden in the forthcoming decades, in particular among Pakistani and Nepalese as well as the socioeconomically disadvantaged.

A Novel Screening System to Characterize and Engineer Quorum Quenching Lactonases.

N-acyl l-homoserine lactones are signaling molecules used by numerous bacteria in quorum sensing. Some bacteria encode lactonases, which can inactivate these signals. Lactonases were reported to inhibit quorum sensing-dependent phenotypes, including virulence and biofilm. As bacterial signaling is dependent on the type of molecule used, lactonases with high substrate specificity are desirable for selectively targeting species in communities. Lactonases characterized from nature show limited diversity in substrate preference, making their engineering appealing but complicated by the lack of convenient assays for evaluating lactonase activity. We present a medium-throughput lactonase screening system compatible with lysates that couples the ring opening of N-acyl l-homocysteine thiolactones with 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) to generate a chromogenic signal. We show that this system is applicable to lactonases from diverse protein families and demonstrate its utility by screening mutant libraries of GcL lactonase from Parageobacillus caldoxylosilyticus. Kinetic characterization corroborated the screening results with thiolactonase and homoserine lactonase activity levels. This system identified GcL variants with altered specificity: up to 1900-fold lower activity for long-chain N-acyl l-homoserine lactone substrates and ~38-fold increase in preference for short-chain substrates. Overall, this new system substantially improves the evaluation of lactonase activity and will facilitate the identification and engineering of quorum quenching enzymes.

Silver N-heterocyclic biscarbene complexes: Potent inhibitors of thioredoxin reductase with anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo.

Silver N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes are known to form biscarbene species from monocarbene analogs in protic polar solvents. However, the effect of the respective species of silver NHC complexes on their biological activity against bacteria or cancer cells has not been systematically explored, either in vitro or in vivo. The direct and simple conversion of monocarbene silver N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) halide complexes (NHC)AgX, (X= Cl, Br) 1a/b - 5a/b to their biscarbene analogues (NHC)2AgX 1c/d - 5c/d is reported. The biscarbenes demonstrated generally lower activity against bacteria compared to the monocarbene complexes; however, both types showed similar activity against tumor cells and a non-tumor reference cell line. Selected mono- and biscarbene complexes 3a and 3c showed similar strong inhibitory effects on thioredoxin reductase in vitro and in cellulo and had a similar level of metal uptake into A549 cells. The subsequent evaluation of their effects in vivo revealed relatively low toxicity and high antitumoral efficacy of both selected complexes in mice. The biscarbene silver organometallic 3c showed the most pronounced reduction of tumor growth in animals. The results indicate that both (NHC)AgX and (NHC)2AgX complexes trigger anticancer activity as biscarbene complexes, making this the preferred form for future metallodrug development.

Single Na- and K-Ion-Conducting Sulfonated -NH-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Highly ion-conductive solid electrolytes of nonlithium ions (sodium or potassium ions) are necessary for pursuing a more cost-effective and sustainable energy storage. Here, two classes of sulfonated -NH-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs), specifically designed for sodium or potassium ion conduction (named i-COF-2 (Na or K) and i-COF-3 (Na or K)), were synthesized through a straightforward, one-step process using affordable starting materials. Remarkably, these COFs demonstrate high ionic conductivity at room temperature─3.17 × 10-4 and 1.02 × 10-4 S cm-1 for i-COF-2 (Na) and i-COF-2 (K) and 2.75 × 10-4 and 1.42 × 10-4 S cm-1 for i-COF-3 (Na) and i-COF-3 (K)─without the need for additional salt or solvent. This enhanced performance, including low activation energies of 0.21 eV for both i-COF-2 (Na) and i-COF-2 (K) and of 0.24 and 0.25 eV for i-COF-3 (Na) and i-COF-3 (K), is attributed to the strategic incorporation of sulfonate groups and the directional channels within the COF structure. The Na+ and K+ ion high conductivities, low cost, and intrinsic framework stability of i-COF-2 (Na or K) and i-COF-3 (Na or K) provide promising solid electrolyte candidates for the exploration of sustainable energy storage.

Thyromimetics and MASLD: Unveiling the Novel Molecules Beyond Resmetirom.

Resmetirom, the first FDA-approved drug for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis in obese patients, when combined with lifestyle modifications, improves NASH resolution and reduces fibrosis by at least one stage. Low thyroid hormone (T3) levels are linked to a higher risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Epidemiological studies have confirmed the positive correlation between hypothyroidism and MASLD. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of T3 signaling pathways in MASLD will enhance the prospects of identifying effective and specific targets. Therefore, this review discusses the significant role of thyroid hormones in the homeostasis of fat metabolism and describes the possible molecular mechanisms of thyromimetics in the treatment of MASLD. A comprehensive search in PubMed and EMBASE was conducted using the keywords "thyromimetics and liver diseases," "thyroid hormone and liver diseases," "hypothyroidism and liver diseases," "T3, T4 and liver disease," and "resmetirom and liver disease." Relevant papers published before October 2024 were included. T3 treatment enhances mitochondrial respiration, biogenesis, β-oxidation, and mitophagy, reducing liver lipid accumulation. However, T3 treatment causes cardiotoxicity through thyroid hormone receptor (THR)α agonistic activity. To address this, molecules with high THRβ agonistic but lower THRα activity have been developed. Besides resmetirom, other THRβ agonists like TG68, CS27109, MB07811, and KB-141 show promising results in experimental studies. These molecules upregulate THRβ target genes, activate genes for fatty acid β-oxidation in mitochondria and fatty acid breakdown in peroxisomes, downregulate the genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, reduce inflammation by downregulating NF-κB/JNK/STAT3 signaling pathways, and accelerate fibrosis resolution by downregulating the expressions of fibrosis marker genes in NASH liver tissue. Future clinical studies should thoroughly investigate THRβ agonists, including TG68, CS27109, MB07811, and KB-141.

Ameliorative role of camel protein hydrolysates diet against alkaline stress in Oreochrmis niloticus: Hematology, immune responses and their regulating genes expression, and histopathological assays.

This investigation looked at the ameliorative role of camel whey protein hydrolysates-diet (PH) in Oreochromis niloticus stocked under alkaline conditions. One hundred sixty fish (16.02 ± 0.14g) were allocated equally into four groups with four replications for 30 days. The first (control) and second (alkaline) groups were fed basal diets and maintained in fresh and alkaline water, respectively. The third and fourth groups were fed on a PH diet (basal diet containing 75g PH/kg) and maintained in fresh water and alkaline water, respectively. The hematology, immune-antioxidant indices, immune-regulatory genes, histopathological investigation of the spleen, and resistance to Aeromonas sobria were investigated. The results showed that the alkaline condition induced hematological disorders (lowered red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and white blood cell count) and immunosuppression (lowered phagocytic activity and index, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and complement 3) in the exposed fish. Alkaline exposure induced oxidative stress through elevation of the malondialdehyde and reduction in the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione S-reductase, and reduced glutathione). The immune modulatory genes (tolls like receptor-5, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, interleukin-17, nuclear factor kappa beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were down-regulated by exposure to alkaline conditions. The microscopic section of the spleen of the fish subjected to alkaline conditions showed notable hyperplasia of the melanomacrophage centers, besides vascular congestion, endothelial cell hypertrophy, and mild hypercellularity in the erythroid and lymphoid elements. In addition, few sections manifested more pronounced erythroid hyperplasia than the lymphoid one. The survival of the fish subjected to alkaline conditions was reduced during the A. sobria challenge. Feeding on a PH diet, the hematology was restored and the immune-antioxidant functions were modulated. Modulation of the immune-regulatory genes and increased survivability of the alkaline-exposed fish were noticed when fed on the PH diet. Consequently, we can recommend enriching the Nile tilapia diet with a 75g PH/kg diet especially when reared under alkaline conditions to support the immune functions of the fish.

Mare’s and Cow’s Milk Fortified with Flaxseed Oil Through Freeze-Drying Microencapsulation: Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties

The microencapsulation via freeze drying of flaxseed oil in cow and mare milk was analyzed. The physicochemical and nutritional properties of the four obtained freeze-dried powder products were comparatively analyzed: microencapsulated and fortified with flaxseed oil cow milk (CMFO) and mare milk (MMFO), as well as pure cow milk (CM) and pure mare milk (MM). The moisture content, water activity, particle size distribution (PSD), loose and tapped bulk densities, flowability, color, and fatty acid profiles of the freeze-dried powders as well as the PSD of reconstituted emulsion droplets were investigated. For both types of milk, the fortified products achieved lower moisture content and water activity, higher loose and tapped bulk densities, better flowability, and lower particle sizes for the reconstituted emulsion droplets. The PSDs of the powders and reconstituted emulsion droplets showed significantly lower levels for the mare milk products than the cow milk products. The atherogenic index (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI) of cow milk products were three and six times higher than those for mare milk products, respectively. In both types of milk, fortified products did not show differences in their AI and TI values, except for the TI for cow milk (where CMFO &lt; CM). The hypercholesterolemia fatty acid index (HcFA), hypocholesterolemic acids (DFAs), hypercholesterolemic acids content (OFA), and n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio showed greater health benefits from mare milk products. Fortification with flaxseed oil showed increased health-promoting properties in the case of the DFA and OFA parameters (for mare milk) and n-6/n-3 ratio (for cow milk).

The global, regional, and national burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus attributable to low physical activity from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021

BackgroundLow physical activity (LPA) is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examine the temporal and spatial trends in the burden of T2DM attributable to LPA at the global, regional, and country scales.MethodsData were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The numbers of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of LPA-related T2DM, and the corresponding age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) were compared across regions and countries by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). The annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in the ASMR or ASDR were calculated to quantify temporal trends from 1990 to 2021. We also quantified the relationship between SDI and the ASMR and ASDR of T2DM attributable to LPA.ResultsGlobally, the number of T2DM deaths and DALYs attributable to LPA were approximately 0.15 million and 5.52 million respectively in 2021, which more than doubled compared to 1990. Over the past 32 years, the global EAPCs of ASMR and ASDR were 0.26 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.31) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.02), respectively. The ASMR or ASDR had a reverse U-shaped relationship with the SDI, with the most severe burden observed in the low-middle and middle SDI regions. The age group older than 60 years had the highest rate of DALYs for LPA-related T2DM in 2021, while the 25–44 age group showed the largest increase between 1990 and 2021.ConclusionsOver the past 32 years, the global burden of LPA-related T2DM has continued to increase at an alarming rate in almost all countries, particularly in regions with low-middle and middle SDI. Substantial increases in national action are urgently needed to target elder populations especially in low-middle and middle SDI regions, and special efforts should be made to promote physical activity in young adults with LPA.

Composition of soil fungal communities and microbial activity along an elevational gradient in Mt. Jiri, Republic of Korea

Approximately 64% of the Republic of Korea comprises mountainous areas, which as cold and high-altitude regions are gravely affected by climate change. Within the mountainous and the alpine-subalpine ecosystems, microbial communities play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycling and partly regulate climate change through such cycles. We investigated the composition and function of microbial communities, with a focus on fungal communities, in Republic of Korea’s second tallest mountain, Mt. Jiri, along a four-point-altitude gradient: 600-, 1,000-, 1,200-, and 1,400-m. Soil pH and elevation were negatively correlated, with soils becoming more acidic at higher altitude. Of the five soil enzyme activities analyzed, cellobiohydrolase, β-1,4-glucosidase, and β-1,4-xylosidase activity showed differences among the elevation levels, with lower activity at 600 m than that at 1,400 m. Soil microbial biomass correlated positively with increasing elevation and soil water content. The decrease in β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase suggests a reduction in fungal biomass with increasing altitude, while factors other than elevation may influence the increase in activity of the cellobiohydrolase, β-1,4-glucosidase and β-1,4-xylosidase. Fungal alpha diversity did not exhibit an elevational trend, whereas beta diversity formed two clusters (600–1,000 m and 1,200–1,400 m). Community composition was similar among the elevations, with Basidiomycota being the most predominant phylum, followed by Ascomycota. Conversely, among the fungal communities at 1,000 m, Ascomycota was the most dominant, possibly due to increased pathotroph percentage. Elevational gradients induce changes in soil properties, vegetation, and climate factors such as temperature and precipitation, all of which impact soil microbial communities and altogether create a mutually reinforcing system. Hence, inspection of elevation-based microbial communities can aid in inferring ecosystem properties, specifically those related to nutrient cycling, and can partly help assess the oncoming direct and indirect effects of climate change.

Evidence in Lager Yeasts of β-Lyase Activity Breaking Down γ-GluCys-Conjugates More Efficiently Than Cys-Conjugates to Odorant Beer Polyfunctional Thiols

The prevalence of glutathionylated (G-) precursors of polyfunctional thiols (PFTs) over their free forms has prompted investigating how to optimize the enzymatic breakdown of these precursors with yeast during lager, ale, and non-alcoholic/low-alcoholic beer (NABLAB) fermentation trials. Some Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts have been selected for their higher β-lyase activity on the cysteinylated (Cys-) conjugates (up to 0.54% for SafAleTM K-97), yet some S. pastorianus strains and one maltose-negative S. cerevisiae var. chevalieri yeast have proved to release PFTs more efficiently from G-precursors (up to 0.21% for BRAS-45 and 0.19% for SafBrewTM LA-01). The present study aimed to explore the possibility and extent of direct release in the beer of 3-sulfanylhexanol from its synthetic γ-glutamylcysteinylated (γ-GluCys-) precursor. Release efficiency was determined by GC-PFPD after the fermentation (7 days at 24 °C and 3 days at 4 °C) of a 15 °Plato (°P) wort enriched with 15 mg/L of synthesized γ-GluCys-3SHol. Up to a 0.28–0.35% release was measured with S. pastorianus strains BRAS-45 and SafLagerTM E-30, while much lower activities (≤0.16%) were observed with S. cerevisiae yeasts, including the maltose-negative chevalieri variety. This β-lyase activity on γ-GluCys-3SHol has never been described before. Under our experimental conditions, the efficiency of release from γ-GluCys-3SHol was drastically reduced in low-density worts. A strongly strain-dependent impact of temperature was also observed.

Characterizing SV40-hTERT Immortalized Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells as Model System for Mechanical Stretch-Induced Lung Injury

Drug development for human disease relies on preclinical model systems such as human cell cultures and animal experiments before therapeutic treatments can ultimately be tested on humans in clinical studies. We here describe the generation of a novel human cell line (HLMVEC/SVTERT289) that we generated by transfection of microvascular endothelial cells from healthy donor lung tissue with the catalytic domain of telomerase and the SV40 large T/small t-antigen. These cells exhibited satisfactory growth characteristics and largely maintained their native characteristics, including morphology, cell surface marker expression, angiogenic potential and the protein composition of secreted extracellular vesicles. In order to test their suitability as a disease model, we simulated mechanical stress induced by cyclic stretch as encountered in ventilator-induced lung injury using the FlexCell® system and compared their performance to primary lung endothelial cells. In this setting, HLMVEC/SVTERT289 cells exhibited significantly higher neprilysin activity on the cell surface and extracellular vesicles secreted from the cell line exhibited higher Tissue Factor and ACE2 expression but lower ACE expression and ACE activity than vesicles released from the primary cells. This study provides an unprecedented and detailed characterization of the HLMVEC/SVTERT289 cell line, which should help to appraise its suitability in different molecular studies.

An EEG hyperscanning study during persuasion toward groupness. The frontal brain area activation as a function of role

ABSTRACT This hyperscanning study explored the electrophysiological (EEG) patterns of dyads during a naturalistic persuasive interaction, in which the persuader had to convince the receiver that choosing a group solution was the most effective way to solve a group hypothetical everyday situation. Fifteen dyads composed of a persuader and a receiver were involved in a persuasive interaction while EEG data were recorded. EEG frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma bands) were analyzed, first, considering the distinct role of the participants and, second, dividing the dyads according to the perceived effectiveness of persuasion. The intra-brain results showed greater activation of the delta, theta and alpha bands in the frontal area of the persuader compared to the receiver. The inter-brain analyses reported a significantly increased dissimilarity activation for delta and theta band in the frontal area compared to more temporo-central and parieto-occipital regions, regardless of the perceived effectiveness of persuasion. To summarize, the process of enhancing groupness during a persuasive interaction generates in the persuader a specific EEG pattern involving mainly low frequency bands activation in the frontal brain regions, suggesting a significant attentional effort and emotional involvement.

High Blood Pressure among Young Adults Aged 18 - 45 Years Presenting for Care to a Health Center in Karongi District in Rwanda

Hypertension is a major global health challenge, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among young adults aged 18 – 45 years in Karongi District, Rwanda, to inform effective prevention and management strategies. Hypertension prevalence serves as a critical measure of community health, with further epidemiological data needed to address treatment gaps, elevated prevalence rates, and suboptimal blood pressure control. The study also aims to promote routine blood pressure monitoring and highlight the efficacy of lifestyle interventions, including reduced salt intake, regular physical activity, weight loss, alcohol moderation, and smoking cessation, in managing hypertension. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, utilizing patient questionnaires and observation checklists at Rubengera Health Center. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 15, with logistic regression identifying factors influencing hypertension. The study found an overall hypertension prevalence of 30.3%, with 9.09% representing newly diagnosed cases, consistent with trends in African populations. Significant sociodemographic factors included older age, lower education levels, urban residence, and marital status, with higher prevalence among married and widowed individuals. Key lifestyle contributors were high saturated fat intake, low physical activity, and excessive salt consumption, while regular exercise and a balanced diet were protective factors. The study concludes that hypertension is a prevalent health issue among young adults in Karongi District, driven by both sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. It underscores the need for data-driven strategies for hypertension management and control, providing essential insights for health planners in estimating disease burden and designing targeted interventions. Recommendations include public awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and policy measures addressing unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity. Further research is encouraged to examine the impact of occupation, gender, marital transitions, and intervention efficacy in reducing hypertension prevalence. These efforts aim to mitigate the burden of hypertension in Rwanda, contributing to improved health outcomes and population well-being. Keywords: Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk factors, Lifestyle interventions, Sociodemographic factors, Management strategies