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Porcine circoviruses (PCVs), including porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) and porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3), have been associated with clinical syndromes in swine, resulting in significant economic losses. To better understand the epidemiology and clinical relevance of PCV2 and PCV3, this study analyzed a dataset comprising diagnostic data from six veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) in the United States of America. The data comprised of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, sample type, and age group for PCV2 and PCV3 submissions from 2002–2023. Findings indicated a decrease in the percentage of PCV2-positive submissions after introducing a commercial PCV2 vaccine in 2006 and a resurgence in positivity after 2018, particularly in breeding herds, associated with an increased number of submissions using processing fluid samples. After its first report in the U.S. in 2016, PCV3 detection had an upward trend in the percentage of positive cases, peaking in spring 2023. PCV3 detection was more frequent in adult/sow farms, while PCV2 was more frequently detected in the wean-to-market category. An additional analysis used results from tissue diagnostic data from 2019–2023 from one VDL to associate PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values with the probability of confirming a PCV2 or PCV3 disease diagnosis confirmation. An interpretative PCR Ct cutoff for PCV2 and PCV3 diagnoses was assessed based on the logistic regression model associating Ct values with the presence of tissue lesions. The analysis considered only cases tested for PCV2 and PCV3 by PCR with tissue evaluations by diagnosticians. An interpretative Ct cutoff of 22.4 for PCV2 was associated with a high probability of confirming a diagnosis of PCV2 clinical disease through histopathology. For PCV3, the interpretative cutoff with the highest performance was 26.7. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the clinical relevance of PCV2 and PCV3 PCR results, identifying potential disease challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the feasibility of using post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) prophylaxis in allo‐hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for adults aged 65 and older. PTCY is increasingly used to prevent graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) across all donor types, but concerns remain about potential risks, especially in older patients. Fifty‐seven adults aged 65 or older with hematological malignancies, undergoing their first allo‐HCT with PTCY prophylaxis between January 2011 and January 2023 were included. Overall, 94.8% of patients achieved primary engraftment. The median durations for neutrophil and platelet engraftments were 19 and 21 days. The day +30 cumulative incidence of bacterial bloodstream infection was 43.9%. No CMV reactivations occurred within the first 100 days after letermovir implementation. The day +180 cumulative incidences of grade II–IV and III–IV acute GVHD, and the 2‐year cumulative incidence of moderate/severe chronic GVHD were 26.3%, 10.5%, and 4.8%. Eighteen patients (31.6%) relapsed, and 30 (52.6%) died, with relapse (16.4%) and infection (11.5%) being the main causes of death. The estimated 2‐year overall survival, non‐relapse mortality, cumulative incidence of relapse, and GVHD‐free relapse‐free survival rates were 45.5%, 27.1%, 33.9%, and 37.0%. Adults aged 70 or older had similar outcomes to those aged 65–69. This study confirms the safety and feasibility of PTCY‐based allo‐HCT in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide a sustainable methodology for documenting the small (and underfunded) but often important university heritage collections. The sequence proposed by the DBLC (Database Life Cycle) (Coronel and Morris, Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Management. Cengage Learning, Boston, 2018; Oppel Databases a beginner's guide. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2009) is followed, focusing on the database design phase. The resulting proposals aim at harmonising the different documentation tools developed by GLAM institutions (acronym that aims to highlight the common aspects of Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums), all of which are present in the university environment. The work phases are based mainly on the work of Valle, Fernández Cacho, and Arenillas (Muñoz Cruz et al. Introducción a la documentación del patrimonio cultural. Consejería de Cultura de la Junta de Andalucía, Seville, 2017), combined with the experience acquired from the creation of the virtual museum at our institution. The creation of a working team that includes university staff members is recommended because we believe that universities have sufficient power to manage their own heritage. For documentation, we recommend the use of application profiles that consider the new trends in semantic web and LOD (Linked Open Data) and that are created using structural interchange standards such as Dublin Core, LIDO, or Darwin Core, which should be combined with content and value standards adapted from the GLAM area. The application of the methodology described above will make it possible to obtain quality metadata in a sustainable way given the limited resources of university collections. A proposed metadata schema is provided as an annex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human norovirus (HuNoV) accounts for over 700 million cases of gastroenteritis annually. Episodes of HuNoV disease are characterized by vomiting and diarrhea as the two most prominent symptoms. Despite its prevalence, our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms triggered upon HuNoV infection is limited, mainly due to a lack of suitable animal models. Our aim was to use the recent HuNoV zebrafish larvae model to study the effect of HuNoV infection on intestinal motility and investigate whether one viral protein could act as an enterotoxin, as seen with rotavirus. We studied whether HuNoV infection affects the contraction frequency of the intestinal bulb and the posterior intestine as well as the transit time. Infection of larvae, following injection of a HuNoV GII.4-containing stool sample in the yolk, resulted in an increased contraction frequency in the intestinal bulb. A comparable effect was observed in serotonin-treated larvae, corresponding to the natural function of serotonin. The higher replication efficacy of HuNoV GII.4 likely explains why they have a more marked effect on gut motility, when compared to other genotypes. Additionally, transit time of fluorescent food was prolonged in HuNoV GII.4 infected larvae, suggesting a loss of coordination in bowel movements upon infection. To identify the proteins responsible for the effect, individual HuNoV non-structural proteins and virus-like particles (VLPs) were injected intraperitoneally (ip). VLPs carrying VP1/VP2, but not those with only VP1, induced increased contraction frequencies in the intestinal bulb in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the viral capsid and potentially the minor capsid protein VP2 play a crucial role in the aetiology of symptoms associated with HuNoV, potentially acting as a viral enterotoxin. This work contributes to the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms in HuNoV-induced disease and further attests zebrafish as a valuable HuNoV disease model. Author summary: Human norovirus causes more than 700 million cases of gastroenteritis every year. Episodes of HuNoV disease are characterized by vomiting and diarrhea as the two most prominent symptoms. Despite its global prevalence, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms causing human norovirus disease are limited due to a historical lack of proper animal models. Recently, we developed a new small animal model for human norovirus in zebrafish larvae. Here, we used the optical transparency during the early larval stages of zebrafish larvae to study the effect of human norovirus infection on the intestinal motility and transit time, and to potentially identify a new viral enterotoxin, as has been done for human rotavirus. We found that the contraction frequency of a specific part of the zebrafish intestine, the intestinal bulb, increased upon human norovirus infection. Additionally, human norovirus infection caused a prolonged transit time after feeding, indicating a loss of coordination in bowel movements upon infection. Finally, we show that it are the viral capsid proteins that play a crucial role in inducing these effects. Overall, our study provides new insights into the disease mechanism of human norovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, principally driven by human activities, has led to an increase in global temperature, which is predicted to continue rising in the coming years. This temperature increase is even more pronounced in urban areas due to the heat island effect. This phenomenon is highly influenced by the presence of paved streets made with bituminous mixtures, which are characterised by their high solar radiation absorption capacity. Bituminous mixtures retain and re-emit a large amount of heat that intensifies the urban heat island effect. The novelty of this work is to measure retroreflective properties of bituminous mixtures that present a highly textured surface. In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the retroreflectance of different bituminous mixtures for use as pavement surfaces, focusing on the influence of colour and different types of aggregates. For this, total and directional reflectance measurements were conducted to determine the retroreflectance of these mixtures, with the purpose of mitigating the heat island effect in urban environments without affecting users through reflected solar radiation. The results show the retroreflective capacity of the designed mixtures within the visible spectrum, especially those manufactured with light-coloured aggregates and synthetic binders pigmented with titanium dioxide. Thus, the retroreflectance of the lighter mixtures range from 37.9% at a 0° entrance angle to 68.9% at 60°, while the black mixtures exhibit values between 5.1% and 8.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiorenal diseases represent a complex interplay between heart failure and renal dysfunction, being clinically classified as cardiorenal syndromes (CRS). Recently, the contributions of altered nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism, through deficient NAD+ synthesis and/or elevated consumption, have proved to be decisive in the onset and progress of cardiorenal disease. NAD+ is a pivotal coenzyme in cellular metabolism, being significant in various signaling pathways, such as energy metabolism, DNA damage repair, gene expression, and stress response. Convincing evidence suggests that strategies designed to boost cellular NAD+ levels are a promising therapeutic option to address cardiovascular and renal disorders. Here, we review and discuss the implications of NAD+ metabolism in cardiorenal diseases, focusing on the propitious NAD+ boosting therapeutic strategies, based on the use of NAD+ precursors, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, sirtuin activators, and other alternative approaches, such as CD38 blockade, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase activation and combined interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animated films are highly popular in society, particularly among children and adolescents. During film production, selecting an adequate colour palette and scene dynamism is crucial for creating a visual impact on the audience. However, the influence of visual aesthetics, such as colour and scene dynamism on visual fatigue remains unexplored. In the present study, visual fatigue was assessed and compared in 30 young participants after viewing two popular films: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, an active, fast-paced film, and My Neighbour Totoro, a more relaxed film. Both films were viewed twice, once with the original colour palette and once in greyscale. Watching Spider-Man film induced a greater degree of visual fatigue than My Neighbour Totoro in two subjective questionnaires evaluating visual fatigue, and in the vergence facility and binocular accommodative facility tests. Moreover, important differences in the visual dynamics and colour aspects between both films were found. These results demonstrate that the high-paced and high-colour aspects of films directly affect visual fatigue. Future animated film producers should consider these factors that are relevant to their audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genu recurvatum deformity after treatment of leg-length discrepancy (LLD) with tension-band plating is a recognized, but poorly described phenomenon in medical literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological features of patients treated with tension-band plating for LLD assessing the development of a recurvatum deformity and its relationship to plate and screw disposition in a transversal plane, thus attempting to establish optimal plate positioning. Retrospective study of children with LLD treated with tension-band plating. Primary endpoints were clinical and radiological knee recurvatum and anterior and posterior physeal areas measured drawing a line spanning from the lateral to the medial tension-band plates in the transverse plane using volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (vMRI). These findings were compared between patients with and without knee recurvatum. Twelve children (mean age 11.7 years) were included. Average follow-up was 2.6 years (1.5–5.0). Tension-band plating led to a significant reduction in LLD (mean, 15 mm). Six patients (50 %) developed clinical genu recurvatum (mean, 22°). According to vMRI, patients with genu recurvatum had a larger posterior to anterior physeal area ratio in both distal femur (1.6 versus 0.9, p < 0.05) and proximal tibial physes (2.2 versus 1.0, p < 0.05). The optimal position of the tension-band plates in distal femoral and proximal tibial physes should be in a point where a posterior to anterior physeal areas ratio is around 1.0, so as to achieve an even distribution of the physeal areas in the multidimensional physeal transverse plane. This point anatomically corresponds in the sagittal X-ray view to an imaginary line located just anterior to the posterior diaphyseal cortical bone on a true lateral radiograph for both femur and tibia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Epigenetic mechanisms involving microRNAs (miRNAs) play a fundamental role in many biological processes, particularly during prenatal and early postnatal development. Their role in adolescent brain development, however, has been poorly described. The present study aimed to explore miRNA expression in the hippocampus during adolescence compared to adulthood in rats. Method: The brains of female and male Wistar rats were extracted, and the hippocampus was freshly dissected at postnatal day 41 (adolescence) and postnatal day 98 (adulthood). An epigenome-wide analysis was conducted to identify the miRNAs significantly expressed in adolescence compared to adulthood. Additionally, target genes of such miRNAs were considered to perform an exploratory Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Results: We identified 16 differentially expressed miRNAs in adolescent male rats compared with adult male rats and 4 differentially expressed miRNAs in adolescent females compared with adult females. Enrichment analysis reinforced that the target genes found are related to neurodevelopmental processes such as cell proliferation, cell migration, and nervous system development. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a complex pattern of miRNA expression during adolescence, which differs from that in adulthood. The differential expression of miRNA in the hippocampus during adolescence may be associated with the late developmental changes occurring in this brain region. Furthermore, the observed sex differences in miRNA expression patterns indicate potential sexual differentiation in hippocampal development. Further comprehensive investigations are needed to elucidate the roles of miRNA in normal brain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Oral rehabilitation seeks to enhance mastication, a vital component of oral function that is compromised by tooth loss. This study aimed to assess the degree of improvement of masticatory performance in partially edentulous patients rehabilitated with removable partial dentures (RPD) or fixed partial dental prosthesis (FPDP). Changes in the occlusal contact area (OCA) and satisfaction with their chewing ability during the adaptation period were also evaluated. Materials and Methods: in total, 34 partially edentulous participants (median age 65.3 years; 56% women) who received an RPD or FPDP were assessed using masticatory performance assay, OCA calculation, and a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Masticatory performance improved by 20% (range from 17% to 25%, p < 0.05) depending on the edentulism and the rehabilitation types. The OCA improved by 4.7 mm2 (p < 0.05) and satisfaction with the masticatory function improved by 9% (p < 0.05) 3 months after prosthesis insertion. Conclusions: Conventional prostheses benefited partially edentulous individuals, improving masticatory performance by 20%. Treatment also increased the OCA in all types of partial edentulism, except in Kennedy class I patients rehabilitated with RPD. Patients' satisfaction with their chewing ability only increased in Kennedy class III patients rehabilitated with RPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between ageing and multiple sclerosis is complex and carries significant implications for patient care. Managing multiple sclerosis effectively requires an understanding of how ageing and multiple sclerosis impact brain structure and function. Ageing inherently induces brain changes, including reduced plasticity, diminished grey matter volume, and ischaemic lesion accumulation. When combined with multiple sclerosis pathology, these age-related alterations may worsen clinical disability. Ageing may also influence the response of multiple sclerosis patients to therapies and/or their side effects, highlighting the importance of adjusted treatment considerations. MRI is highly sensitive to age- and multiple sclerosis-related processes. Accordingly, MRI can provide insights into the relationship between ageing and multiple sclerosis, enabling a better understanding of their pathophysiological interplay and informing treatment selection. This review summarizes current knowledge on the immunopathological and MRI aspects of ageing in the CNS in the context of multiple sclerosis. Starting from immunosenescence, ageing-related pathological mechanisms and specific features like enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces, this review then explores clinical aspects, including late-onset multiple sclerosis, the influence of age on diagnostic criteria, and comorbidity effects on imaging features. The role of MRI in understanding neurodegeneration, iron dynamics and myelin changes influenced by ageing and how MRI can contribute to defining treatment effects in ageing multiple sclerosis patients, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As nuclear facilities are dismantled in decommissioning, various and large amounts of waste are generated. Even more inconveniently, they are radioactive waste due to neutron activation. Thus, the neutron capture cross-sections of nuclides targeted for decommissioning are required to evaluate the radioactivity produced. The present study selected 45Sc, 63Cu, 64Zn, 109Ag and 113In among targeted nuclides, and performed the measurements of thermal-neutron capture cross-sections by an activation method at the Kyoto University Research Reactor. The thermal-neutron capture cross-sections were derived on the basis of Westcott's convention. The present results were obtained as follows: 27.18 ± 0.28 barn for 45Sc(n,γ)46Sc, 4.34 ± 0.06 barn for 63Cu(n,γ)64Cu, 0.719 ± 0.011 barn for 64Zn(n,γ)65Zn, 4.05 ± 0.05 barn for 109Ag(n,γ)110mAg and 8.53 ± 0.27 barn for 113In(n,γ)114Inm1+m2 reactions. The results for 45Sc and 64Zn support evaluated cross-section data within the limits of uncertainties, while those for the other nuclides were slightly different from evaluated ones. The obtained results are useful not only for the evaluation of isotope production, but also for the consideration of those nuclides as flux monitors, as an alternative to Au and Co. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-value products, such as hazelnuts, are particularly vulnerable to fraud due to their price dependence on geographical origin. Guaranteeing hazelnuts' authenticity is essential for consumer trust and safety. Stable isotope analysis has become a reference method for origin authentication as it is reliable, robust, and easily transferable across laboratories. However, multiple isotopic markers coupled with chemometric techniques are often needed to authenticate food provenance accurately. In this study, we focused on assessing the potential of bulk δ18O, along with δ2H and δ13C of the main fatty acids, as hazelnut-origin authenticity markers. PLS-DA classification models were developed to differentiate samples (n = 207) according to their region of origin. This multi-isotopic approach provided promising external validation results, achieving a 94% global correct classification rate in discriminating hazelnuts from regions with distinct geographical and environmental conditions. This study lays the groundwork for further model development and evaluation across additional production areas and harvest years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging research implicates tau protein dysregulation in the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease. Objective: This study investigated skin tau quantification as a potential biomarker for Huntington's disease and its correlation with disease burden outcomes. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, we measured skin tau levels using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 23 Huntington's disease mutations carriers and eight control subjects, examining group discrimination, correlations with genetic markers, clinical assessments, and neuroimaging data. Brain atrophy was quantified by both volumetric measurements from brain segmentation and a voxel‐based morphometry approach. Results: Our findings showed elevated skin tau levels in manifest Huntington's disease compared with premanifest and healthy controls. These levels correlated with CAG repeat length, CAG‐Age‐Product score, composite Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale Total Motor Score, cognitive assessments, and disease‐related cortical and subcortical volumes, all independent of age and gender. Using skin tau levels in cluster analysis along with genetic and clinical measures led to improved subject stratification, providing enhanced distinction and validity of clusters. Conclusions: This study not only confirms the feasibility of skin tau quantification in Huntington's disease but also establishes its potential as a biomarker for enhancing group classification and assessing disease severity across the Huntington's disease spectrum, opening new directions in biomarker research. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the most common cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Several studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of CVD due to its influence on endothelial function, inflammation, lipid profile, and blood pressure. Integrating metabolomic and proteomic analyses of CKD could provide insights into the pathways involved in uremia-induced CVD and those pathways modifiable by the Mediterranean diet. Methods: We performed metabolomic and proteomic analyses on serum samples from 19 patients with advanced CKD (aCKD) and 27 healthy volunteers. The metabolites were quantified using four different approaches, based on their properties. Proteomic analysis was performed after depletion of seven abundant serum proteins (Albumin, IgG, antitrypsin, IgA, transferrin, haptoglobin, and fibrinogen). Integrative analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst 4.0 and STRING 11.0 software to identify the dysregulated pathways and biomarkers. Results: A total of 135 metabolites and 75 proteins were differentially expressed in aCKD patients, compared to the controls. Pathway enrichment analysis showed significant alterations in the innate immune system pathways, including complement, coagulation, and neutrophil degranulation, along with disrupted linoleic acid and cholesterol metabolism. Additionally, certain key metabolites and proteins were altered in aCKD patients, such as glutathione peroxidase 3, carnitine, homocitrulline, 3-methylhistidine, and several amino acids and derivatives. Conclusions: Our findings reveal significant dysregulation of the serum metabolome and proteome in aCKD, particularly in those pathways associated with endothelial dysfunction and CVD. These results suggest that CVD prevention in CKD may benefit from a multifaceted approach, including dietary interventions such as the Mediterranean diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until 2021, studies of scientific disciplines took as their object of study papers published in journals from certain subject categories. This paper is one of the firsts to analyse research into journalism in Spain using the Clarivate InCites analytics platform algorithm that groups papers together according to their citation relations (Citation Topics, CT) rather than by the category of the journals themselves. A unique universe was obtained made up of 63,694 items on the Web of Science, this being the global output of the CT 'Journalism' (1980–2022, both included). Spain is the world's third producer by number of items (4635), but only seventh in citations (and has the lowest proportion of citations per paper, 7.151). Most of the papers (34.01%) are published in Q3 (unlike the rest of the countries analysed, which publish more in Q1 and Q2) and in national journals (61%, even more than the US or the UK, 52% and 47%, respectively), edited by small, non-commercial publishers. Only 40.6% of the items are in the WoS Flagship citation index databases (SCIE, SSCI and AHCI). Most Spanish journals publish national research in proportions around 80%. Spanish research tends to collaborate internationally to a lesser extent (16.5%) than the other European countries analysed, and no significant change has been apparent over the last years. Spanish research into journalism is very productive but has little international presence, obtains few citations per paper, and shows no clear signs of progress towards greater international collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aimed to assess: (i) trends in alcohol‐specific — that is, fully attributable — morbidity and mortality in the German adult population aged 15–69 between 2000 and 2021; and (ii) changes in alcohol‐attributable disease burden — that is, fully and partially alcohol‐attributable categories — for 2006, 2012, 2018 and 2021. Methods: Morbidity data was pulled from hospitalisation and rehabilitation statistics and mortality data was pulled from the causes of death registry. Alcohol use, adjusted for unrecorded consumption, was estimated using the Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse and triangulated with per capita consumption from annual sales data. For major disease categories, alcohol‐attributable fractions were estimated for males and females by age groups (15–29, 30–49, 50–69 years) using the comparative risk assessment methodology. Results: For males and females, the age‐standardised rate of alcohol‐specific morbidity peaked in 2012 and decreased thereafter showing a steep decline from 2019 to 2021. The rates of alcohol‐specific mortality decreased constantly from 2000 to 2019 but increased from 2019 to 2021. Compared to 2006 the age‐standardised alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality rates in males and females were lower in 2021. For both sexes, the age‐standardised alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality rates and the proportions of morbidity/mortality rates relative to all‐cause morbidity/mortality decreased between 2006 and 2021. Discussion: The declines in alcohol‐attributable morbidity and mortality are in line with decreases in consumption and signal that the importance of alcohol in health service utilisation and mortality has weakened. Sex ratios in morbidity and mortality do not indicate a strong converging trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to determine the predictors of maximum bite force (MBF), as measured with the Innobyte system, and to assess the reliability and reference values for MBF in young adults with natural dentitions. Methods: This cross-sectional test–retest study included 101 dental students with natural dentitions. Participants had their dental occlusion examined and completed three questionnaires: the Temporomandibular disorders Pain Screener, Oral Behavior Checklist, and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale. Body mass index and muscle mass percentage were determined, and handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. The MBF was measured with Innobyte, with reliability assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient, expressing reference values as MBF percentiles. Bivariate tests and multiple linear regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient for the MBF was 0.90, with 10th to 90th percentiles of 487–876 N for females and 529–1003 N for males. A positive relationship existed between the MBF and male sex, muscle mass percentage, overbite, handgrip strength, and possible sleep/awake bruxism. Stepwise regression showed that overbite, handgrip strength, and possible sleep/awake bruxism had the greatest effect on the MBF, explaining 27% of the variation. Conclusions: This study provides reference values for MBF when using the Innobyte system and shows excellent reliability. Overbite, general strength, and self-reported bruxism appear to be important predictors of MBF. Clinical relevance: Innobyte is a reliable device that can be used to measure MBF bilaterally. Self-reported bruxism is associated with an 8%–10% increase in MBF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fusional reserves differ with the method of measurement. The goal of this study was to compare the subjective and objective responses during the measurement of positive and negative fusional reserves using both step and ramp methods. Methods: A haploscopic system was used to measure fusional reserves. Eye movements were recorded using an EyeLink 1000 Plus eye tracker (SR Research). The stimulus disparity was changed to either mimic a prism bar (steps) or a Risley prism (ramp). Subjective responses were obtained by pressing a key on the keyboard, whereas objective break and recovery points were determined offline using a custom algorithm coded in Matlab. Results: Thirty‐three adults participated in this study. For the ramp method, the subjective and objective responses were similar for the negative (break and recovery points (t(32) = −0.82, p = 0.42) and (t(32) = 0.42, p = 0.67), respectively) and positive fusional reserves (break and recovery points (U = −1.34, p = 0.18) and t(19) = −0.25, p = 0.81), respectively). For the step method, no significant differences in positive fusional reserves were observed when measured subjectively and objectively for the break (t(32) = 1.27, p = 0.21) or the recovery point (U = −2.02, Bonferroni‐adjusted p = 0.04). For the negative fusional reserve, differences were not significant for either the break or recovery points (U = −0.10, p = 0.92 and t(19) = 1.17, p = 0.26, respectively). Conclusion: Subjective and objective responses exhibited good agreement when measured with the ramp and step methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GT99 domain of the membrane‐anchored WbbB glycosyltransferase (WbbBGT99) catalyzes the transfer of 3‐deoxy‐D‐manno‐oct‐2‐acid (β‐Kdo) to an O‐antigen saccharide acceptor with retention of stereochemistry. It has been proposed that the enzyme follows an unprecedented double‐displacement mechanism involving the formation of covalent adduct between the Kdo sugar and an active site residue (Asp232) that is properly oriented for nucleophilic attack. Here we use QM/MM metadynamics simulations on recently reported crystal structures to provide theoretical evidence for the formation of such adduct and unveil the atomic details of the chemical reaction. Our results support the interpretation made on the basis of X‐ray and mass spectrometry analyses. Moreover, we show that the formation of the β‐Kdo‐Asp232 adduct is assisted by the sugar Kdo‐carboxylate group, which mediates the transfer of a proton from Asp232 towards the phosphate leaving group, alleviating electrostatic repulsion between the two negatively charged carboxylate groups. The computed mechanism also explains why His265, previously proposed to act as a general acid, does not impair catalysis. This mechanism can be extended to other related enzymes, expanding the repertoire of GT mechanisms in Nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine Bacteroidota Zobellia galactanivorans has a polysaccharide utilization locus dedicated to the catabolism of the red algal cell wall galactan carrageenan and its unique and industrially important α‐3,6‐anhydro‐D‐galactose (ADG) monosaccharide. Here we present the first analysis of the specific molecular interactions that the exo‐(α‐1,3)‐3,6‐anhydro‐D‐galactosidase ZgGH129 uses to cope with the strict steric restrictions imposed by its bicyclic ADG substrate — which is ring flipped relative to D‐galactose. Crystallographic snapshots of key catalytic states obtained with the natural substrate and novel chemical tools designed to mimic species along the reaction coordinate, together with quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) metadynamics methods and kinetic studies, demonstrate a retaining mechanism where the second step is rate limiting. The conformational landscape of the constrained 3,6‐anhydro‐D‐galactopyranose ring proceeds through enzyme glycosylation B1,4→[E4]≠→E4/1C4 and deglycosylation E4/1C4→[E4]≠→B1,4 itineraries limited to the Southern Hemisphere of the Cremer–Pople sphere. These results demonstrate the conformational changes throughout catalysis in a non‐standard, sterically restrained, bicyclic monosaccharide, and provide a molecular framework for mechanism‐based inhibitor design for anhydro‐type carbohydrate‐processing enzymes and for future applications involving carrageenan degradation. In addition, our study provides a rare example of distinct niche‐based conformational itineraries within the same carbohydrate‐active enzyme family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine Bacteroidota Zobellia galactanivorans has a polysaccharide utilization locus dedicated to the catabolism of the red algal cell wall galactan carrageenan and its unique and industrially important α‐3,6‐anhydro‐D‐galactose (ADG) monosaccharide. Here we present the first analysis of the specific molecular interactions that the exo‐(α‐1,3)‐3,6‐anhydro‐D‐galactosidase ZgGH129 uses to cope with the strict steric restrictions imposed by its bicyclic ADG substrate — which is ring flipped relative to D‐galactose. Crystallographic snapshots of key catalytic states obtained with the natural substrate and novel chemical tools designed to mimic species along the reaction coordinate, together with quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) metadynamics methods and kinetic studies, demonstrate a retaining mechanism where the second step is rate limiting. The conformational landscape of the constrained 3,6‐anhydro‐D‐galactopyranose ring proceeds through enzyme glycosylation B1,4→[E4]≠→E4/1C4 and deglycosylation E4/1C4→[E4]≠→B1,4 itineraries limited to the Southern Hemisphere of the Cremer–Pople sphere. These results demonstrate the conformational changes throughout catalysis in a non‐standard, sterically restrained, bicyclic monosaccharide, and provide a molecular framework for mechanism‐based inhibitor design for anhydro‐type carbohydrate‐processing enzymes and for future applications involving carrageenan degradation. In addition, our study provides a rare example of distinct niche‐based conformational itineraries within the same carbohydrate‐active enzyme family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The KATITA-25 (Kidney AlloTransplant Immunosuppressive Therapy Adherence) Questionnaire is a multidimensional self-administered scale developed in Brazilian Portuguese that measures the predisposition for non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication in candidate patients for kidney transplantation, in the pre-transplant setting. The aim of this study was the cross-cultural validation of the Spanish version of the KATITA-25 scale. The translation/back-translation method was used, followed by cognitive interviews and a pre-test. The Spanish version of KATITA-25 was administered to 163 candidate patients for kidney transplantation from 2 kidney transplant centres and 2 dialysis centres in Catalonia, Spain. The scale was re-administered to the first 79 patients included into the study, after a 2 to 4 weeks interval. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, test–retest reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); construct validity with goodness of fit indices after confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling. The Cronbach's alpha of the Spanish version was 0.83, the ICC was 0.86. Confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate fit of the structural model. Overall, the analytical results closely resembled those obtained in the validation of the original scale. In conclusion, this cross-cultural validation study showed adequate reliability and construct validity of the Spanish version of the KATITA-25 questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The KATITA-25 (Kidney AlloTransplant Immunosuppressive Therapy Adherence) Questionnaire is a multidimensional self-administered scale developed in Brazilian Portuguese that measures the predisposition for non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication in candidate patients for kidney transplantation, in the pre-transplant setting. The aim of this study was the cross-cultural validation of the Spanish version of the KATITA-25 scale. The translation/back-translation method was used, followed by cognitive interviews and a pre-test. The Spanish version of KATITA-25 was administered to 163 candidate patients for kidney transplantation from 2 kidney transplant centres and 2 dialysis centres in Catalonia, Spain. The scale was re-administered to the first 79 patients included into the study, after a 2 to 4 weeks interval. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, test–retest reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); construct validity with goodness of fit indices after confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling. The Cronbach's alpha of the Spanish version was 0.83, the ICC was 0.86. Confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate fit of the structural model. Overall, the analytical results closely resembled those obtained in the validation of the original scale. In conclusion, this cross-cultural validation study showed adequate reliability and construct validity of the Spanish version of the KATITA-25 questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovering novel families of materials composed of earth‐abundant elements and characterized by non‐toxicity, high thermodynamic stability, and simple low‐temperature synthesis processes, is paramount for the advancement of urgently needed energy storage and conversion technologies. Pnictogen chalcohalides, represented by the general formula ABC (A = Bi, Sb; B = S, Se; C = I, Br), emerge as a promising class of energy materials particularly well‐suited for photovoltaic applications. However, the compositional landscape of BixSb1 − xSySe1 − yIzBr1 − z is vast and remains largely unexplored, with traditional experimental and theoretical exploration techniques facing limitations in covering the entire solid‐solution range due to their labor‐intensive and time‐consuming nature. Here, an integrated bottom‐up approach that combines first‐principles calculations, machine learning models, experiments, and device optimizations is introduced to provide a comprehensive fundamental understanding of pnictogen chalcohalides with arbitrary composition and to expedite the design of high‐performance multi‐junction solar cells. The synergistic investigations unveil a broad and continuous spectrum of bandgaps and optical absorption coefficients ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 eV and from 2.5 · 105 to 6.6 · 105 cm−1, respectively, across a wide variety of thermodynamically stable compounds. Additionally, a tandem BiSBr–BiSeI device is identified as an optimal multi‐junction solar cell, exhibiting a maximum short‐circuit current density of 18.65 mA cm−2 under intensity‐matching conditions. The introduced bottom‐up materials design approach may facilitate an unprecedented and rapid translation of basic knowledge into the most demanded solar cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypopressive exercise (HE) can be viewed as a mind--body activity, characterized by the integration of breath control and stretching postures. Proponents of HE claim that this type of training can offer potential therapeutic or health benefits. To date, there is no existing comprehensive published overview on HE. This scoping review aims to map and summarize the current literature reporting data on HE and identify key knowledge gaps and future research directions. Methods: This review considered studies that report on the immediate, short-, or long-term practice of HE regardless of condition, sex, age, and/or level of practice or physical condition. Any context or setting was considered for inclusion. This review was performed in accordance with the methodological framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and by Arksey and O'Malley. MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception up to July 2023. Literature was mapped following the Patterns-Advances-Gaps-Evidence for Practice Recommendations framework to identify patterns and inform practice. Results: In total, 87 studies were identified that reported on the following themes: (1) therapeutic application of a short- or long-term HE programs (n = 56); (2) physiologic and physical responsiveness to a short- or long-term HE programs (n = 22); (3) psychologic and behavioral response to a short-term HE program (n = 14); and (4) acute or immediate physiological responses (n = 21). Literature gaps included poor methodological design, incomplete reporting of intervention, lack of male participants, and exploration of muscle groups distinct from the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Discussion: There is a need for high-quality randomized controlled trials, adherence to reporting guidelines on exercise, and the use of active control groups to verify clinical significance, the dose response, and health applications of HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prematurity is associated with an increased risk of persistent wheezing but the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. The aim of this study was to identify blood transcriptional profiles associated with the development of wheezing in a cohort of moderate to late preterm infants and to define immune gene expression changes associated with wheezing. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of a multicenter birth cohort (SAREPREM) of moderate‐late preterm children followed during the first 3 years of life was analyzed. Children were enrolled in the first 2 weeks of life (Y0) and longitudinally evaluated at 1 (Y1), 2 (Y2), and 3 years (Y3) of age, for the presence of wheezing and to obtain samples for transcriptional profile analysis. Samples were processed on Illumina HT12 chips and genomic expression analyses performed with R programming, modular analysis for biological function, and QuSAGE for quantitative gene expression. Results: Seventy‐six children were included in the study; 33 were classified as non‐wheezing and 43 (56.6%) in the wheezing group. At Y0, children who developed wheezing had decreased expression of interferon genes and increased expression of B cell genes compared with the non‐wheezing group. These changes in IFN and B cell gene expression were especially significant in children with late/persistent wheezing compared with transient wheezers. Conclusions: Changes in IFN and B lymphocyte gene expression identified in early life suggest the existence of specific immunological mechanisms that play an important role in the development of wheezing in late‐preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the potential for the smart integration of waste and renewable energy sources to supply industrial heat at temperatures between 150 °C and 250 °C, aiming to decarbonize heat demand in European industry. This work is part of a European project (SUSHEAT) which focuses on developing a novel technology that integrates several innovative components: a Stirling cycle high-temperature heat pump (HTHP), a bio-inspired phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage (TES) system, and a control and integration twin (CIT) system based on smart decision-making algorithms. The objective is to develop highly efficient industrial heat upgrading systems for industrial applications using renewable energy sources and waste heat recovery. To achieve this, the specific heat requirements of different European industries were analyzed. The findings indicate that industrial sectors such as food and beverages, plastics, desalination, textiles, ceramics, pulp and paper, wood products, canned food, agricultural products, mining, and chemicals, typically require process heat at temperatures below 250 °C under conditions well within the range of the SUSHEAT system. Moreover, two case studies, namely the Pelagia and Mandrekas companies, were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the system. An analysis of the annual European heat demand by sector and temperature demonstrated that the theoretical potential heat demand that could be met by the SUSHEAT system is 134.92 TWh annually. Furthermore, an environmental impact assessment estimated an annual significant reduction of 19.40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. These findings underscore the significant potential of the SUSHEAT system to contribute to the decarbonization of European industry by efficiently meeting heat demand and substantially reducing carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal neutron capture cross-section for191Ir, ${{\rm{\sigma }}_{{\rm{Ir}}}}$ σ Ir (Eth), is a prominent parameter in producing192Ir radionuclide used in high-dose-rate brachytherapy. However, considerable discrepancies exist in past measurements using the activation method and a derived cross-section data calculation from positive resonance parameters of 191Ir, which were measured using the neutron time-of-flight (TOF) method. Therefore, for the first time, we aimed to measure the ${{\rm{\sigma }}_{{\rm{Ir}}}}$ σ Ir (Eth) accurately using the neutron TOF method. Experiments were performed using a pulsed neutron beam and a NaI(Tl) detector at the Accurate Neutron–Nucleus Reaction Measurement Instrument of the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility in the J-PARC. The ${{\rm{\sigma }}_{{\rm{Ir}}}}$ σ Ir (Eth) was derived from the capture yield using the pulse height weighting technique. As a result, this study obtained the ${{\rm{\sigma }}_{{\rm{Ir}}}}$ σ Ir (Eth) as 949 ± 80 b. The result agrees with some activation data and the evaluated nuclear data libraries, JENDL-5 and ENDF/B-VIII.0, within its uncertainty of 8.4%. This study provides a data reference for the ${{\rm{\sigma }}_{{\rm{Ir}}}}$ σ Ir (Eth) measurement using the neutron TOF method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies have investigated the role of gender in clinical symptoms, social functioning, and neuropsychological performance in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). However, the evidence of gender differences for metacognition in subjects with FEP is still limited and controversial. The aim of the present study was to explore gender differences in cognitive insight and cognitive biases in this population. Methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 104 patients with FEP (35 females and 69 males) recruited from mental health services. Symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, cognitive insight with the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, and cognitive bias by the Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for Psychosis. The assessment also included clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: After controlling for potential confounders (level of education, marital status, and duration of psychotic illness) analysis of covariance revealed that males presented greater self-reflectiveness (p = 0.004) when compared to females. However, no significant differences were found in self-certainty and composite index of the cognitive insight scale, as in the cognitive biases assessed. Conclusions: Gender was an independent influence factor for self-reflectiveness, being better for males. Self-reflectiveness, if shown to be relatively lacking in women, could contribute to the design of more gender-sensitive and effective psychotherapeutic treatments, as being able to self-reflect predicts to better treatment response in psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue des Lettres Modernes is the property of Classiques Garnier and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue des Lettres Modernes is the property of Classiques Garnier and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In light of the growing demand for audio description (AD) in China, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, coupled with the persistent shortage of qualified AD scriptwriters, this article advocates for AD translation from Spanish to Chinese, a type of indirect translation, as an alternative approach to addressing this issue, potentially benefiting from localisation techniques (Jankowska et al., 2017; Remael & Vercauteren, 2010). This article presents the development of a set of guidelines for localising AD scripts from Spanish into Chinese, resulting from triangulating a corpus study comparing Chinese and Spanish ADs, interviews with Chinese AD providers, a reception study with end-users, and participant observation through a field study. Additionally, it discusses three controversial elements related to AD scriptwriting, along with four norms that guide the script writers' decision-making process, which must be considered when localising AD scripts in Chinese. It concludes with a summary of the localisation guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Alterations in circadian rhythms increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and CVD. Circadian rhythms are controlled by several core clock genes, which are expressed in nearly every cell, including immune cells. Immune cells are key players in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, and participate in the atherosclerotic process that underlies cardiovascular risk in these patients. The role of the core clock in the leukocytes of people with type 2 diabetes and the inflammatory process associated with it are unknown. We aimed to evaluate whether the molecular clock system is impaired in the leukocytes of type 2 diabetes patients and to explore the mechanism by which this alteration leads to an increased cardiovascular risk in this population. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study performed in 25 participants with type 2 diabetes and 28 healthy control participants. Clinical and biochemical parameters were obtained. Peripheral blood leukocytes were isolated using magnetic bead technology. RNA and protein lysates were obtained to assess clock-related gene transcript and protein levels using real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Luminex XMAP technology was used to assess levels of inflammatory markers. Leukocyte–endothelial interaction assays were performed by perfusing participants' leukocytes or THP-1 cells (with/without CLK8) over a HUVEC monolayer in a parallel flow chamber using a dynamic adhesion system. Results: Participants with type 2 diabetes showed increased BMAL1 and NR1D1 mRNA levels and decreased protein levels of circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK), cryptochrome 1 (CRY1), phosphorylated basic helix-loop-helix ARNT like 1 (p-BMAL1) and period circadian protein homologue 2 (PER2). Correlation studies revealed that these alterations in clock proteins were negatively associated with glucose, HbA1c, insulin and HOMA-IR levels and leukocyte cell counts. The leukocyte rolling velocity was reduced and rolling flux and adhesion were enhanced in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared with healthy participants. Interestingly, inhibition of CLOCK/BMAL1 activity in leukocytes using the CLOCK inhibitor CLK8 mimicked the effects of type 2 diabetes on leukocyte–endothelial interactions. Conclusions/interpretation: Our study demonstrates alterations in the molecular clock system in leukocytes of individuals with type 2 diabetes, manifested in increased mRNA levels and decreased protein levels of the core clock machinery. These alterations correlated with the impaired metabolic and proinflammatory profile of the participants with type 2 diabetes. Our findings support a causal role for decreased CLOCK/BMAL1 activity in the increased level of leukocyte–endothelial interactions. Overall, our data suggest that alterations in core clock proteins accelerate the inflammatory process, which may ultimately precipitate the onset of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 shocked the world and provided a particular challenge for populist radical right (PRR) forces. We lay out three research questions that this special issue addresses through case studies of the PRR in government in Brazil, Hungary, Turkey and the US and in opposition in France, Italy, Germany and Spain: (1) How have PRR actors responded to the pandemic? (2) How have PRR actors framed the politics of the pandemic? and (3) What have been the effects of the pandemic on the popularity of the PRR? We explain the case selection of this special issue and summarize the main findings of the eight case studies, which show that the pandemic did not severely damage the PRR and that they had very different responses to the challenge. This reinforces the idea that the PRR is not ephemeral but is rather the by-product of structural transformations of contemporary societies and is here for the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite steady progress in the development and promotion of the circular economy as a model, an overwhelming proportion of technological devices discarded by the Global North still finds its way to the Global South, where technology-related environmental health problems start from the predation of resources and continue all the way to recycling and disposal. We reviewed literature on TCEs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), focussing on: the sources and levels of environmental pollution; the extent of human exposure to these substances; their role in the aetiology of human diseases; their effects on the environment. Our review shows that even minor and often neglected technology-critical elements (TCEs), like rare earth elements (REEs) and platinum group elements (PGEs), reveal the environmental damage and detrimental health effects caused by the massive mining of raw materials, exacerbated by improper disposal of e-waste (from dumping to improper recycling and open burning). We draw attention of local research on knowledge gaps such as workable safer methods for TCE recovery from end-of-life products, secondary materials and e-waste, environmental bioremediation and human detoxification. The technical and political shortcomings in the management of TCEs in SSA is all the more alarming against the background of unfavourable determinants of health and a resulting higher susceptibility to diseases, especially among children who work in mines and e-waste recycling sites or who reside in dumping sites.This paper demonstrates, for the first time, that the role of unjust North-South dynamics is evident even in the environmental levels of minor trace elements and that the premise underlying attempts to solve the problem of e-waste dumped in Africa through recycling and disposal technology is in fact misleading. The influx of foreign electrical and electronic equipments should be controlled and limited by clearly defining what is a 'useful' second-hand device and what is e-waste; risks arising from device components or processing by-products should be managed differently, and scientific uncertainty and One Health thinking should be incorporated in risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining patients' temperature during surgery is beneficial since hypothermia has been linked with perioperative complications. Laparoscopic surgery involves the insufflation of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the peritoneal cavity and has become the standard in many surgical indications since it is associated with better and faster recovery. However, the use of cold and dry CO2 insufflation can lead to perioperative hypothermia. We aimed to assess the difference between intraperitoneal and core temperatures during laparoscopic surgery and evaluate the influence of duration and CO2 insufflation volume by fitting a mixed generalized additive model. In this prospective observational single-center cohort trial, we included patients aged over 17 with American Society of Anesthesiology risk scores I to III undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Anesthesia, ventilation, and analgesia followed standard protocols, while patients received active warming using blankets and warmed fluids. Temperature data, CO2 ventilation parameters, and intraabdominal pressure were collected. We recruited 51 patients. The core temperature was maintained above 36 °C and progressively raised toward 37 °C as pneumoperitoneum time passed. In contrast, the intraperitoneal temperature decreased, thus creating a widening difference from 0.4 [25th–75th percentile: 0.2–0.8] °C at the beginning to 2.3 [2.1–2.3] °C after 240 min. Pneumoperitoneum duration and CO2 insufflation volume significantly increased this temperature difference (P < 0.001 for both parameters). Core vs. intraperitoneal temperature difference increased linearly by 0.01 T °C per minute of pneumoperitoneum time up to 120 min and then 0.05 T °C per minute. Each insufflated liter per unit of time, i.e. every 10 min, increased the temperature difference by approximately 0.009 T °C. Our findings highlight the impact of pneumoperitoneum duration and CO2 insufflation volume on the difference between core and intraperitoneal temperatures. Implementing adequate external warming during laparoscopic surgery effectively maintains core temperature despite the use of dry and unwarmed CO2 gases, but peritoneal hypothermia remains a concern, suggesting the importance of further research into regional effects. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04294758. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: HER2-targeted therapies have dramatically improved outcomes of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (BC), as demonstrated in neoadjuvant trials. This study aims to provide real-world evidence on the use and effectiveness of combined pertuzumab, trastuzumab and chemotherapy (CT) in early-stage HER2-positive BC. Methods: A retrospective, multicentre study was conducted on patients diagnosed with HER2-positive early BC treated with neoadjuvant pertuzumab and trastuzumab plus CT at 13 Spanish sites. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR). Results: A total of 310 patients were included. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab were combined with anthracyclines and taxanes, carboplatin and docetaxel, and taxane-based CT in 77.1%, 16.5%, and 6.5% of patients, respectively. Overall, the pCR rate was 62.2%. The pCR was higher amongst patients with hormone receptor-negative tumours and with tumours expressing higher levels of Ki-67 (> 20%). After postoperative adjuvant treatment, 13.9% of patients relapsed. Those patients who did not achieve pCR, with tumours at advanced stages (III), and with node-positive disease were more likely to experience distant relapse. Median overall survival (OS) and distant disease-free survival (D-DFS) were not reached at the study end. The estimated mean OS and D-DFS times were 7.5 (95% CI 7.3–7.7) and 7.3 (95% CI 7.1–7.5) years, respectively (both were significantly longer amongst patients who achieved pCR). Grade 3–4 anti-HER2 related toxicities were reported in six (1.9%) patients. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant pertuzumab and trastuzumab plus CT achieve high pCR rates in real-life patients with HER2-positive early BC, showing an acceptable safety profile. Innovative adjuvant strategies are essential in patients at high risk of distant disease recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic minority job-seekers may have incentives to include or omit photographs from résumés depending on the social norms regarding this practice and the extent to which their outward appearances diverge from the majority group. To investigate minorities' incentives to engage in a specific type of résumé whitening––omitting photographs to avoid discrimination based on phenotypical traits or religious attire––we draw on data from an audit field experiment conducted between 2016 and 2018 in the Netherlands and Germany. Our analysis highlights the challenges for anticipating discrimination (and, thus, deciding to engage in résumé whitening) since it is difficult to predict employers' true preferences with respect to the inclusion of photographs. In the Netherlands, unveiled Turkish women were better off submitting their picture rather than omitting it, but the premium associated with the inclusion of photographs disappeared if they wore the Muslim headscarf. For unveiled Moroccan women, there was no discernible advantage or disadvantage associated with the inclusion of pictures in job applications. In contrast, in the German context, minority women with high prototypical appearance (brown phenotype or wearing the Muslim headscarf) would have incentives to omit their photographs from job applications, particularly if they wore the Muslim headscarf. For Moroccan and Turkish men in the two countries, the inclusion of pictures with different phenotypes does not affect employers' responses. To conclude, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of blind recruitment policies (i.e. omitting all ethnic identifying cues from résumés, including photographs and names) in the European context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica (PPK) is a RASopathy characterized by the presence of a sebaceous nevus and a papular speckled lentiginous nevus. This case report highlights the associated extracutaneous comorbidities, including life‐threatening arrhythmia, and introduces topical rapamycin as a potential therapeutic avenue for sebaceous nevus in PPK patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report two cases with localized vascular malformations clinically resembling the "dominant lesion" seen in capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) syndrome, however, lacking germline RASA1 variants but presenting double somatic RASA1 variants in affected tissue. Both patients presented with localized and superficial high‐flow vascular malformations were treated with surgery and laser therapy and showed partial resolution. The study underscores the rarity of somatic RASA1 variants, contributes to understanding the "second‐hit" pathophysiology in vascular lesions, and emphasizes the significance of clinical distinctions and genotyping for accurate diagnoses, offering implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and genetic counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Following several prior editions and the acquisition of quantitative data indicating a 18% reduction in perceived caregiver burden and a 27% improvement in their quality of life regarding pain/mild discomfort, this present study aims to compile and examine the shared experiences of caregivers participating in the peer-to-peer Expert Caregiver Programme. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the programme's inherent value. Design/methodology/approach: This is a qualitative study of the Expert Caregiver Programme, a peer-to-peer support and learning initiative designed for informal caregivers of individuals with dementia. Over a span of two and a half months, this study observed a group of ten informal caregivers who were participants in the sixth edition of the Expert Caregiver Programme at a Sociosanitary Hospital in Catalonia. Findings: The results have revealed the emergence of two distinct spirals. Firstly, the ongoing challenge of adapting to a degenerative process, coupled with the caregiver's sense of responsibility, leads to an overwhelming situation for the caregiver as far as caregiving and emotional management are concerned. This, in turn, exacerbates their feelings of isolation, fatigue and discouragement. On the other hand, the understanding of the disease and the sense of compassion towards the person with dementia have been identified as pivotal elements in the construction of an upward spiral, creating greater comfort for the caregiver. Consequently, these factors can be effectively addressed within the framework of a programme such as the Expert Caregiver. Originality/value: The qualitative approach has allowed for a comprehensive and extensive exploration of the caregivers' experiences with individuals suffering from dementia. This has revealed the existence of a positive spiral that can be nurtured through peer support programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major source of health loss and disability worldwide. Accurate and timely diagnosis of TBI is critical for appropriate treatment and management of the condition. Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and characterization of TBI. Computed tomography (CT) is the first-line diagnostic imaging modality typically utilized in patients with suspected acute mild, moderate and severe TBI. Radiology reports play a crucial role in the diagnostic process, providing critical information about the location and extent of brain injury, as well as factors that could prevent secondary injury. However, the complexity and variability of radiology reports can make it challenging for healthcare providers to extract the necessary information for diagnosis and treatment planning. Methods/results/conclusion: In this article, we report the efforts of an international group of TBI imaging experts to develop a clinical radiology report template for CT scans obtained in patients suspected of TBI and consisting of fourteen different subdivisions (CT technique, mechanism of injury or clinical history, presence of scalp injuries, fractures, potential vascular injuries, potential injuries involving the extra-axial spaces, brain parenchymal injuries, potential injuries involving the cerebrospinal fluid spaces and the ventricular system, mass effect, secondary injuries, prior or coexisting pathology). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Exposure to pesticides poses a significant threat to male fertility by compromising crucial cells involved in spermatogenesis. Although aminocarb is a widely used carbamate insecticide, little is known about its impact on male fertility and, consequently, on sustentacular Sertoli cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of increasing concentrations of aminocarb on a mouse Sertoli cell line, TM4. Assessments included analyses of cellular proliferation and viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial biogenesis and membrane potential and expression and the activity of apoptotic proteins, as well as oxidative stress. Our findings revealed a dose-dependent reduction in the proliferation and viability of TM4 cells following exposure to aminocarb. Moreover, exposure to 5 μM of aminocarb induced depolarization of mitochondria membrane potential, and a decrease in the ratio of phosphorylated eIF2α to total eIF2α, suggesting heightened endoplasmic reticulum stress via the activation of the eIF2α pathway. An elevation in both caspase-3 protein levels and activity was also observed for the cells under this same aminocarb concentration, thus indicating an apoptotic induction. Altogether, our results demonstrate that aminocarb serves as an apoptotic inducer for mouse sustentacular Sertoli cells in vitro, suggesting its potential to modulate independent pathways of the apoptotic cascade. Exposure to pesticides, poses a significant threat to male fertility by compromising crucial cells involved in spermatogenesis. Aminocarb, is a widely used carbamate insecticide, although its detrimental effects on the male reproductive system, especially on sustentacular Sertoli cells, pivotal for spermatogenesis, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of escalating concentrations of aminocarb on a mouse Sertoli cell line, TM4. Assessments included cytotoxic analysis, mitochondrial biogenesis and membrane potential, expression of apoptotic proteins, caspase-3 activity, and oxidative stress evaluation. Our findings revealed a dose-dependent reduction in the proliferation and viability of TM4 cells following exposure to increasing concentrations of aminocarb. Notably, exposure to 5 μM of aminocarb induced depolarization of mitochondria membrane potential, and a significant decrease in the ratio of phosphorylated eIF2α to total eIF2α, suggesting heightened endoplasmic reticulum stress via the activation of the eIF2α pathway. Moreover, the same aminocarb concentration was demonstrated to increase both caspase-3 protein levels and activity, indicating an apoptotic induction. Collectively, our results demonstrate that aminocarb serves as an apoptotic inducer for mouse sustentacular Sertoli cells in vitro, suggesting its potential to modulate independent pathways of the apoptotic cascade. These findings underscore the deleterious impact of aminocarb on spermatogenic performance and male fertility, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation into its mechanisms of action and mitigation strategies to safeguard male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electricity system and the industrial sector interrelate on the path to decarbonization. The study addresses the drivers and environmental pressure within the industrial sector on the National Electricity System (NES). This article aims to characterize the metabolic pattern of the NES and the industrial sector using the Multiscale Integrated Analysis of Social and Ecological Metabolism (MuSIASEM) from a bioeconomic perspective to identify fields of opportunity in the regulatory policy instruments. A set of extensive and intensive variables (2019) on energy, production factors, and emissions was used at different hierarchical levels based on both subsectors. Our results show that the NES used primary energy sources (PES) and secondary energy carriers to fulfill its functions, of which 72% were domestic sources and 28% were imported. México imported 79.5% of the natural gas (NG) for electricity generation. However, there are favorable conditions for renewable PES to increase the installed capacity of solar plants between 3 and 4 orders of magnitude and 2–3 in wind power from the current capacity. NES's energy consumption per hour of human time is 17,388 MJ/h, with 65% being the heat equivalent to a total energy input consumed of 2139 PJ/y. Public plants contributed 43.7% to the generation, and the independent and self-supply producers the rest. End uses needed the supply of 69.3% of electricity from baseload plants. Sixty-three percent of the metabolic pattern of the industrial sector is based on heat and fuel processes, which depend on NG imports. The NES is reorganizing and recovering its energy autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]