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We investigate the plasmon-mediated nonlinear dynamics and the optics of a laser emission of random nanoemitters (NEs) embedded in a two-dimensional (2D) lattice of conducting nanorings (NRs) enhanced by plasmon–polariton (PP) excitations. The interaction of quantum NEs with the PP field in the NRs perturbs the dynamics of the electronic populations in NEs, leading to a significant dependence of laser generation (dynamics) on the plasma frequency ωp of PP. This results in a strong coupling of NE field emission with the PP field and sharp variations of the average current in the NR lattice. The phase transition in the system was found when the macroscopic structures of PP fields are excited simultaneously in different regions of the system if ωp (control parameter) reaches critical value ωc. We have established the analytical dependence of the PP current I = I(ωp/ωc) on the plasma frequency, which is in excellent agreement with the results of numerical simulations. This effect may allow the design of new types of PP active devices with the use of conducting NRs in modern nanoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the relationship between bone loss that occurs during the peri-implantitis process and variations in implant stability using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) measurement methods. Materials and Methods: Forty selftapping implants were placed in cow ribs, and study scenarios were established according to the affected implant side and bone loss depth (n = 10 implants per group): Case 1 = bone loss on one side (vestibular); Case 2 = bone loss on two opposite sides (buccal and lingual); Case 3 = bone loss on two adjacent sides (buccal and mesial); and Case 4 = foursided bone loss (circumferential). For each group of 10 implants, first a bone loss of 0 mm was evaluated, then 4-mm defects (simulating 1/3 of bone loss) were created and evaluated, and finally 8-mm defects (simulating 2/3 of bone loss) were created and evaluated. Osteotomy measurements were made with a periodontal probe. For each implant, RFA was measured by the same operator using the Beacon system (Osstell). Results: The initial implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of the 40 implants exceeded 70, reflecting an average of 73 in the buccolingual (VL) and 74.8 in the mesiodistal (MD) directions. ISQ measurements in the 10 implants in which bone dehiscence was performed on the vestibular aspect reflected a decrease in ISQ values as bone loss increased. When generating bone loss in two opposite sides (buccal and lingual), a greater decrease in ISQ values was observed when 2/3 of the implant were affected. The average VL ISQ measurement was less than 70 when at sites with 2/3 of bone loss. Conclusions: When bone loss occurs on only one side of the implant, the ISQ values decrease, but the implant maintains good stability. The same occurs when two opposite sides of the implant are affected, as the unaffected side has the least decrease in ISQ value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early studies on sustainability establish social, economic, and environmental improvement as the ultimate goal worldwide. This is true for nations or companies with significant economic and technological resources that apply indicators, data, and methodologies to manage harmonious, sustainable development; however, little is known about the management, integration, and measurement of unified social, economic, and environmental dimensions to achieve sustainable actions for agriculture. Therefore, under a qualitative-quantitative approach combining the knowledge management paradigm, sustainability criteria, and the log-linear statistical test, this paper investigates actions for sustainability around planting–harvesting–first disposal of the coffee circuit based on the tacit-explicit traditional knowledge of 55 members of its productive ecosystem from Guerrero, Mexico. The results show a statistical integration between environmental, economic, and social data with 0.000 (p < 0.05); a partial association on its effects with 0.209, 0.068, and 0.000, respectively (p > 0.05); the creation of on-site banks, training and assistance, and a state network for exchanging experiences as the conjectural actions that can show effects with 0.002, while the remaining were over >0.05 (p > 0.05). Governments, organizations, and researchers could extrapolate the model for sustainable agriculture management in the coffee-growing regions and for other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of determining arsenic and lead using the optical technique Slurry–Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (Slurry-TXRF) was significantly enhanced through the application of a machine learning method, aimed at improving the ecological risk assessment of agricultural soils. The overlapping of the arsenic Kα signal at 10.55 keV with the lead Lα signal at 10.54 keV due to the relatively low resolution of TXRF could compromise the determination of lead. However, by applying a Partial Least Squares (PLS) machine learning algorithm, we mitigated interference variations, resulting in improved selectivity and accuracy. Specifically, the average percentage error was reduced from 15.6% to 9.4% for arsenic (RMSEP improved from 5.6 mg kg−1 to 3.3 mg kg−1) and from 18.9% to 6.8% for lead (RMSEP improved from 12.3 mg kg−1 to 5.03 mg kg−1) compared to the previous univariable model. This enhanced predictive accuracy, within the set of samples concentration range, is attributable to the efficiency of the multivariate calibration first-order advantage in quantifying the presence of interferents. The evaluation of X-ray fluorescence emission signals for 26 different synthetic calibration mixtures confirmed these improvements, overcoming spectral interferences. Additionally, the application of these models enabled the quantification of arsenic and lead in soils from a viticultural subregion of Chile, facilitating the estimation of ecological risk indices in a fast and reliable manner. The results indicate that the contamination level of these soils with arsenic and lead ranges from moderate to considerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to characterize honey bee (Apis mellifera) production systems in the municipality of Hopelchén, Campeche, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: the sample was made up by 10% of the beekeepers in Holpechén, identified through the snowball method. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed with 94 questions grouped into five sections (general information, structure of the systems, product trade, technologies used, and decision making). The questionnaire was applied through the technique of interviewing those responsible for the 118 beekeeping production systems. The information obtained with the questionnaires was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: beekeeping is an important productive activity in the region of Los Chenes and La Montaña in Hopelchén, which are undergoing the process of generational replacement and are currently maintained by young adult producers who are younger than 45 years old. They own 55 hives on average per producer, which are located at a distance of 7.7 km from their households. The main technology is the use of sugar for feed, by 50% of producers, followed by the diagnosis of Varroa infestation and determination of moisture with 35 and 21.5% of beekeepers. Limitations on study/implications: the limited access to regions with beekeeping potential, as well as the lack of monitoring by outside staff, does not ease open-mindedness of beekeepers toward researchers. Findings/conclusions: the characterization of beekeeping production systems with high potential allows proposing improvement strategies to promote the development of small-scale producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a laser method of light microscopy to evaluate the rapid movement of fluorescent molecules. To have a more reliable approach to analyze data from FRAP, we designed Fraping, a free access R library to data analysis obtained from FRAP. Unlike other programs, Fraping has a new form of analyzing curves of FRAP using statistical analysis based on the average curve difference. To evaluate our library, we analyzed the differences of actin polymerization in real time between dendrites and secondary neurites of cultured neuron transfected with LifeAct to track F‐actin changes of neurites. We found that Fraping provided greater sensitivity than the conventional model using mobile fraction analysis. Likewise, this approach allowed us to normalize the fluorescence to the size area of interest and adjust data curves choosing the best parametric model. In addition, this library was supplemented with data simulation to have a more significant enrichment for the analysis behavior. We concluded that Fraping is a method that reduces bias when analyzing two data groups as compared with the conventional methods. This method also allows the users to choose a more suitable analysis approach according to their requirements. Research Highlights: Fraping is a new programming tool to analyze FRAP data to normalize fluorescence recovery curves.The conventional method uses one‐point analysis, and the new one compares all the points to define the similarity of the fluorescence recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study focuses on the AMR profiles in E. coli isolated from captive mammals at EcoZoo San Martín, Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, highlighting the role of wildlife as reservoirs of resistant bacteria. Aims: The aim of this research is to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli strains isolated from various species of captive mammals, emphasizing the potential zoonotic risks and the necessity for integrated AMR management strategies. Materials & Methods: A total of 189 fecal samples were collected from 70 mammals across 27 species. These samples were screened for E. coli, resulting in 90 identified strains. The resistance profiles of these strains to 16 antibiotics, including 10 β‐lactams and 6 non‐β‐lactams, were determined using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, the presence of Extended‐Spectrum Beta‐Lactamase (ESBL) genes and other resistance genes was analyzed using PCR. Results: Significant resistance was observed, with 52.22% of isolates resistant to ampicillin, 42.22% to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime, and 27.78% identified as ESBL‐producing E. coli. Multiresistance (resistance to more than three antibiotic groups) was found in 35.56% of isolates. Carnivorous and omnivorous animals, particularly those with prior antibiotic treatments, were more likely to harbor resistant strains. Discussion: These findings underscore the role of captive mammals as indicators of environmental AMR. The high prevalence of resistant E. coli in these animals suggests that zoos could be significant reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. The results align with other studies showing that diet and antibiotic treatment history influence resistance profiles. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for an integrated approach involving veterinary care, habitat management, and public awareness to prevent captive wildlife from becoming reservoirs of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Improved waste management practices and responsible antibiotic use are crucial to mitigate the risks of AMR in zoo environments and reduce zoonotic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on maternal characteristics and obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of women in labor previously vaccinated who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to aged-matched healthy controls. A retrospective case-control study was conducted among 66 women in labor. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. The attendance rates at childbirth and parenting classes, as well as the implementation of a birth plan, were significantly lower in the COVID-19 infection group (6.1% vs. 48.5%, <0.001; 6.1% vs. 33.3%, p =.005, respectively). Women with COVID-19 had a higher prevalence of prolonged postpartum hospital stay (33.3% vs. 9.1%, p =.016), and significantly higher prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth (27.3% vs. 1.09%, p =.006). Breastfeeding within the first 24 hr was also lower in women with COVID-19 (72.7% vs. 97.0%, p =.006). Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes are influenced by COVID-19 infection in vaccinated women. Complications include spontaneous preterm birth, prolonged postpartum hospital stay, and lack of breastfeeding within the first 24 hr. Childbirth education, parenting classes and implementing a birth plan may be associated with a decreased risk of COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Atlantic Review of Economics / Revista Atlántica de Economía is the property of Colegio de Economistas de La Coruna 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 Sinergia Académica is the property of Editorial Tecnocientifica Americana (ETECAM) 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.)

The "Virtual Rotor Kit (VRK) Project" is a lightweight and standalone application developed in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak in the field of rotating machinery dynamics. This alternative emulates a rotor test rig, enabling virtual balancing tests on a single-plane rotor and offering students a comprehensive learning experience that simulates on-site balancing. The Virtual Rotor Kit utilizes a three-dimensional model based on a well-known rotor test rig widely used in educational and research settings. To simulate the dynamics of the rotor test rig, the application employs PyChrono, a dedicated Python library that wraps Chrono, a validated open-source multi-physics simulation engine. A detailed usability assessment involving 41 senior mechanical engineering students yielded promising results, indicating the Virtual Rotor Kit's potential to enhance comprehension of vibration phenomena in unbalanced rotating machines. Despite revealing certain issues related to the graphical user interface and the application's execution time, three defined achievement indicators demonstrated positive outcomes for a virtual balancing laboratory experience using the Virtual Rotor Kit application. By focusing on the dynamic behavior of a rotor test rig instead of simulating a specific laboratory experience, the application offers instructors greater flexibility in developing learning experiences. Unlike other virtual testbeds, the Virtual Rotor Kit allows students to conduct both steady-state and transient experiments, offering a comprehensive understanding of rotating machinery dynamics. Additionally, the application is distributed under the BSD-3 license and can serve as a complement to on-site laboratory experiences. The results presented in this study inspire further research and development to enhance its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large body of evidence has shown that treatments that interfere with memory consolidation become ineffective when animals are subjected to an intense learning experience; this effect has been observed after systemic and local administration of amnestic drugs into several brain areas, including the striatum. However, the effects of amnestic treatments on the process of extinction after intense training have not been studied. Previous research demonstrated increased spinogenesis in the dorsomedial striatum, but not in the dorsolateral striatum after intense training, indicating that the dorsomedial striatum is involved in the protective effect of intense training. To investigate this issue, male Wistar rats, previously trained with low, moderate, or high levels of foot shock, were used to study the effect of tetrodotoxin inactivation of dorsomedial striatum on memory consolidation and subsequent extinction of inhibitory avoidance. Performance of the task was evaluated during seven extinction sessions. Tetrodotoxin produced a marked deficit of memory consolidation of inhibitory avoidance trained with low and moderate intensities of foot shock, but normal consolidation occurred when a relatively high foot shock was used. The protective effect of intense training was long-lasting, as evidenced by the high resistance to extinction exhibited throughout the extinction sessions. We discuss the possibility that increased dendritic spinogenesis in dorsomedial striatum may underly this protective effect, and how this mechanism may be related to the resilient memory typical of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, agroindustrial waste can be used to obtain bioactive compounds. The solid-state fermentation is an alternative for the valorization of these waste and to be able to release bioactive compounds that may be of interest to different industrial sectors. The aim of this study was to evaluate solid-state fermentation conditions using pineapple peel waste as the substrate with Aspergillus niger spp., to release bioactive compounds using a Plackett–Burman exploratory design. Temperature, humidity, inoculum, NaNO3, MgSO4, KCl, and KH2PO4 conditions in the fermentation process were evaluated. The antioxidant capacity was determined, and the main compounds of the fermentation extracts were identified. The results revealed that the Aspergillus niger HT3 strain reached a hydrolyzable tannin release of 10.00 mg/g, While Aspergillus niger Aa20 reached a condensed tannin release of 82.59 mg/g. The KH2PO4 affects the release of condensed tannins with A. niger Aa20, and MgSO4 affects the release of hydrolyzable tannins with A. niger HT3. In addition, a positive antioxidant activity was demonstrated for the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP technique. The main compounds in the fermented pineapple peel were 3-feruloylquinic acid, caffeic acid, lariciresinol, and 3-hydroxyphloretin 2′-O-xylosyl-glucoside, among others. The solid-state fermentation process is a biotechnological alternative for the release of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The byproduct of Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil extraction by cold pressing, also known as expeller, possesses a high nutritional value. It is rich in proteins, fibers, minerals, and has a residual oil content of 7–11%, which is rich in omega 3 linolenic acid (ALA). However, this byproduct has been historically undervalued. Thus, the aim of current work was to study the effects of consuming of a rich in chia expeller diet on a rabbit model of metabolically unhealthy normal weight to validate their use as a functional food. Rabbits were fed different diets for a period of 6 weeks: a standard diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD), a rich in expeller CD (Exp-CD) and a rich in expeller HFD (Exp-HFD). The Exp-HFD attenuated the rise in basal glucose, TyG index, triglycerides, cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol induced by the HFD. Both rich in expeller diets reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and increase liver and fat ALA levels compared to their respective controls. Furthermore, the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was lower in the lungs of animals fed on rich in expeller diets compared to their respective controls. In vitro studies showed that ALA inhibited ACE activity. The evaluation of vascular reactivity revealed that rich in expeller diets improved angiotensin II affinity and reduced contractile response to noradrenaline. In conclusion, the consumption of rich in expeller diets showed beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and MAP. Therefore, its use as functional ingredient holds significant promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria 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 Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria 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.)

Hospitals use different technological tools to implement corporate communication initiatives and, in this way, improve their relationships with stakeholders (employees, patients, media companies) and build a reputed brand. However, they face different barriers: limited budgets for corporate communication, strict legal frameworks, and stakeholders’ new needs regarding information and emotional support. This paper aims to analyze how the 100 best hospitals in the United States manage smart technologies to promote their brand. To do that, we conducted a literature review about smart hospitals, branding, and corporate communication; and then we defined 34 quantitative indicators to evaluate how the hospitals previously mentioned managed their websites, online newsrooms, about us sections, and artificial intelligence department web sites for reputation purposes. Our results proved that most hospitals respected indicators related to the homepage (8.67/11) but not those referring to online newsrooms (4.44/11) or about us sections (2.66/6). Besides, only 23 hospitals had implemented a department specialized in artificial intelligence that collaborated with external organizations. We concluded that most American hospitals focused their reputation efforts on patients rather than other targets (media companies, employees, suppliers, shareholders); and that these organizations did not integrate enough artificial intelligence projects into their smart branding initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The assessment of strength is one of the most usual practices among professionals involved in health care or sport. Quadriceps and hamstrings are the most commonly assessed muscle groups. Generally, the methods used to assess muscle strength are active and, therefore, alternative passive methods could be useful. Myoton provides measures on 3 mechanical properties of the muscle: tone, elasticity, and stiffness. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association of Myoton, an easy-to-use tool not requiring voluntary stimulus from the subject, with strength values in quadriceps and hamstrings. Study Design: Experimental. Setting: University kinesiology laboratory. Participants: Thirty-eight recreational athletes were evaluated. Main Outcome Measures: Anthropometric and demographic data, Myoton-based measures of vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus, and the maximum voluntary isometric contraction of quadriceps and hamstrings. Procedures: The association was examined using multiple regression models to estimate strength through Myoton-based parameters and different patient characteristics. The models encompassed either 2 or 3 independent variables. Results: The adjusted R2 values for predicting quadriceps strength were.666 for rectus femoris,.726 for vastus lateralis, and.667 for vastus medialis, while in regard to hamstrings, they were.617 for biceps femoris and.604 for semitendinosus. Conclusions: The main finding was that acceptable relationships were found between muscle strength and Myoton-based parameters when variables such as gender and/or age are considered. Our study reveals a new tool for estimating strength with outstanding advantages: it is easy, time-efficient, adaptable, and highly manageable through the feasible equations provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address the electron-spin-phonon coupling in an effective model Hamiltonian for DNA to assess its role in spin transfer involved in the Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect. The envelope function approach is used to describe semiclassical electron transfer in a tight-binding model of DNA at half filling in the presence of intrinsic spin–orbit coupling. Spin-phonon coupling arises from the orbital-configuration dependence of the spin–orbit interaction. We find spin-phonon coupling only for the acoustic modes, while the optical modes exhibit electron–phonon interaction without coupling to spin. We derive an effective Hamiltonian whose eigenstates carry spin currents that are protected by spin-inactive stretching optical modes. As optical phonons interact more strongly than acoustic phonons, side buckling and tilting optical base modes will be more strongly associated with decoherence, which allows for the two terminal spin filtering effects found in CISS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period between 2009 and 2015, several very high-energy (VHE |$> 100$|  GeV) gamma-ray flaring events from the BL Lac object PKS 1424+240 were observed by the Cerenkov telescopes VERITAS and MAGIC. It had uncertain redshift (z) and using spectroscopical measurement, Paiano et al. (2017) found it to be |$z=0.604$|⁠. Using four different extragalactic background light (EBL) models and the photohadronic model, nine independently observed VHE gamma-ray spectra of PKS 1424+240 are analysed and a global |$\chi ^2$| fit is performed on all observations to estimate the best-fitting value for the redshift for each EBL model. Confidence levels (CL) intervals for the redshift are also estimated using all the EBL models. This method is tested by comparing our analysis with the observed value. It is shown that the photohadronic scenario provides an excellent description of all the observed spectra. It is found that the EBL model of Dominguez et al. (2011) is the one that provides the most restrictive limits on the redshift of PKS 1424+240, but in our analysis, |$z=0.604$| lies within the |$3\sigma$| CL interval of the EBL model of Saldana-Lopez et al. (2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the growth in the older population, there is a noticeable research gap regarding integrative health systems for older people and their impact on longevity in nonagenarians. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an integrative health system consisting of medical services, recreational facilities, and housing on longevity in a population of nonagenarians in Northern Mexico. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive-analytical study in which we measured and analyzed medical history such as number of hospitalizations, visits to geriatric consultation, hypertension, history of chronic pain, polypharmacy, dementia, rheumatic disease, diabetes mellitus, insomnia, depression, ischemic cardiomyopathy, among others. We also measured social engagement and number of caregivers. A logistic regression was performed to evaluate the predictors of mortality in this population. Results: We included one hundred and ninety-five nonagenarians with a mean (SD) age of 94 (4.2) years and of which 112 (55.7%) were female. The findings from logistic regression analysis indicated that a higher frequency of hospitalizations was associated with an elevated mortality risk (OR = 1.272, p = 0.049). Conversely, increased visits to geriatric consultation services as primary care were linked to a reduced mortality risk (OR = 0.953, p = 0.002). Additionally, social engagement displayed a protective effect (OR = 0.336, p = 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlighted the role of systemic health approaches in extending life through insights into nonagenarian patients' involvement in primary care, as measured by consultation frequency, and participation in social activities, mitigating mortality risks. Meanwhile, it emphasized the potential consequences of higher hospitalization rates on increased mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although social learning (SL) conceptualization and implementation are flourishing in sustainability sciences, and its non-rigid conceptual fluidity is regarded as an advantage, research must advance the understanding of SL phenomenon patterns based on empirical data, thus contributing to the identification of its forms and triggering mechanisms, particularly those that can address urgent Anthropocene socio-ecological problems. This study aims to discover fundamental patterns along which SL in natural resources management differs by identifying SL archetypes and establishing correlations between the SL process and overall geopolitical conditions. Using a systematic literature review comprising 137 case studies in the five continents, content analysis, and correlations were performed. Results show two main archetypes of social learning (endogenous and exogenous). Their occurrence was linked, to where social learning occurs and how venues/preconditions for social learning are placed. In the Global South, endogenous SL should be better potentialized as a catalyzer of deliberative processes for sustainable natural resources management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ruthenium‐catalyzed reductive amination via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) has been used to perform an efficient dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of N‐aryl 2‐formyl pyrroles decorated with a phosphine moiety positioned at the ortho' position. The strategy relies on the labilization of the stereogenic axis in the substrate facilitated by a transient Lewis acid‐base interaction (LABI) between the carbonyl carbon and the phosphorus center. The reaction features broad substrate scope of aliphatic amines and N‐aryl pyrrole scaffolds, and proceeds under very mild conditions to afford P,N atropisomers in good to high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) for both diphenyl and dicyclohexylphosphino derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ruthenium‐catalyzed reductive amination via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) has been used to perform an efficient dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of N‐aryl 2‐formyl pyrroles decorated with a phosphine moiety positioned at the ortho' position. The strategy relies on the labilization of the stereogenic axis in the substrate facilitated by a transient Lewis acid‐base interaction (LABI) between the carbonyl carbon and the phosphorus center. The reaction features broad substrate scope of aliphatic amines and N‐aryl pyrrole scaffolds, and proceeds under very mild conditions to afford P,N atropisomers in good to high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) for both diphenyl and dicyclohexylphosphino derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis, an acute bacterial zoonotic disease, is endemic in Puerto Rico. Infection in approximately 10%-15% of patients with clinical disease progresses to severe, potentially fatal illness. Increased incidence has been associated with flooding in endemic areas around the world. In 2022, Hurricane Fiona, a Category 1 hurricane, made landfall and inundated Puerto Rico with heavy rainfall and severe flooding, increasing the risk for a leptospirosis outbreak. In response, the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) changed guidelines to make leptospirosis cases reportable within 24 hours, centralized the case investigation management system, and provided training and messaging to health care providers. To evaluate changes in risk for leptospirosis after Hurricane Fiona to that before the storm, the increase in cases was quantified, and patient characteristics and geographic distribution were compared. During the 15 weeks after Hurricane Fiona, 156 patients experienced signs and symptoms of leptospirosis and had a specimen with a positive laboratory result reported to PRDH. The mean weekly number of cases during this period was 10.4, which is 3.6 as high as the weekly number of cases during the previous 37 weeks (2.9). After Hurricane Fiona, the proportion of cases indicating exposure to potentially contaminated water increased from 11% to 35%, and the number of persons receiving testing increased; these factors likely led to the resulting overall surge in reported cases. Robust surveillance combined with outreach to health care providers after flooding events can improve leptospirosis case identification, inform clinicians considering early initiation of treatment, and guide public messaging to avoid wading, swimming, or any contact with potentially contaminated floodwaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have been conducted to investigate the socioeconomic profiles of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and their associations with disease severity and disability. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify clusters of patients with AS according to their socioeconomic characteristics and to evaluate the associations between these clusters and the severity of the disease and permanent disability. Design: This was a cross-sectional and multicentre study. Methods: Patients with AS from the REGISPONSER study were included in this analysis. A cluster analysis was conducted using information on sociodemographic (age, sex, race, marital status, education) and socioeconomic (employment, profession, housing conditions and social level) characteristics. Disease burden and permanent disability were compared between the different clusters using logistic regression adjusted for disease duration and disease activity. Results: A total of 866 patients with AS were included. Two clusters were identified according to socioeconomic characteristics: Cluster 1 (n = 476), with a predominantly low socioeconomic profile, and Cluster 2 (n = 390), with a predominantly high socioeconomic profile. After adjusting for disease duration, patients in Cluster 1 had a longer diagnosis delay, greater body mass index and greater structural damage than those in Cluster 2. Access to biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) was similar for both groups. However, patients in Cluster 1 had a greater prevalence of permanent disability than those in Cluster 2 after adjusting for disease duration and disease activity (30.8% vs 13.2%, odds ratio 2.58 (95% confidence interval 1.76–3.83)). Conclusion: This study suggests that the socioeconomic status of patients with AS may have implications for disease severity and permanent disability, despite the similar use of bDMARDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canary Islands inhabitants, a recently admixed population with significant North African genetic influence, has the highest incidence of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Spain and one of the highest in Europe. HLA accounts for half of the genetic risk of T1D. Aims: To characterize the classical HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles in children from Gran Canaria with and without T1D. Methods: We analyzed classic HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles in childhood-onset T1D patients (n = 309) and control children without T1D (n = 222) from the island of Gran Canaria. We also analyzed the presence or absence of aspartic acid at position 57 in the HLA-DQB1 gene and arginine at position 52 in the HLA-DQA1 gene. Genotyping of classical HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 alleles was performed at two-digit resolution using Luminex technology. The chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) and odds ratio (OR) were computed to assess differences in allele and genotype frequencies between patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis was also used. Results: Mean age at diagnosis of T1D was 7.4 ± 3.6 years (46% female). Mean age of the controls was 7.6 ± 1.1 years (55% female). DRB1*03 (OR = 4.2; p = 2.13–13), DRB1*04 (OR = 6.6; p ≤ 2.00–16), DRB1* 07 (OR = 0.37; p = 9.73–06), DRB1*11 (OR = 0.17; p = 6.72–09), DRB1*12, DRB1*13 (OR = 0.38; p = 1.21–05), DRB1*14 (OR = 0.0; p = 0.0024), DRB1*15 (OR = 0.13; p = 7.78–07) and DRB1*16 (OR = 0.21; p = 0.003) exhibited significant differences in frequency between groups. Among the DQB1* alleles, DQB1*02 (OR: 2.3; p = 5.13–06), DQB1*03 (OR = 1.7; p = 1.89–03), DQB1*05 (OR = 0.64; p = 0.027) and DQB1*06 (OR = 0.19; p = 6.25–14) exhibited significant differences. A total of 58% of the studied HLA-DQB1 genes in our control population lacked aspartic acid at position 57. Conclusions: In this population, the overall distributions of the HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles are similar to those in other European populations. However, the frequency of the non-Asp-57 HLA-DQB1 molecules is greater than that in other populations with a lower incidence of T1D. Based on genetic, historical and epidemiological data, we propose that a common genetic background might help explain the elevated pediatric T1D incidence in the Canary Islands, North-Africa and middle eastern countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone and joint infections represent a major public health issue due to their increasing prevalence, their functional prognosis and their cost to society. Phage therapy has valuable anti-biofilm properties against prosthetic joint infections (PJI). The aim of this study was to establish the proportion of patients eligible for phage therapy and to assess their clinical outcome judged against all patients presenting with PJI. Method:. Patients admitted for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) at a French general hospital between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively included. Eligibility for phage therapy was determined based on French recommendations, with polymicrobial infections serving as exclusion criteria. Patients were categorized into two groups: those eligible and those ineligible for phage therapy. We analyzed their characteristics and outcomes, including severe adverse events, duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy, length of hospitalization, and relapse rates. Results:. In this study, 96 patients with PJI were considered in multidisciplinary medical meetings. Of these, 44% patients (42/96) were eligible for additional phage therapy. This group of patients had a longer duration of intravenous therapy (17 days vs. 10 days, p = 0.02), more severe adverse events (11 vs. 3, p = 0.08) and had a longer hospital stay (43 days vs. 18 days, p < 0.01). Conclusion:. A large number of patients met eligibility criteria for phage therapy and treatment and follow-up is more complex. A larger epidemiological study would more accurately describe the prognosis of eligible patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic modules of viral derivation that have been co-opted to become modulators of mammalian gene expression. TEs are a major source of endogenous dsRNAs, signaling molecules able to coordinate inflammatory responses in various physiological processes. Here, we provide evidence for a positive involvement of TEs in inflammation-driven bone repair and mineralization. In newly fractured mice bone, we observed an early transient upregulation of repeats occurring concurrently with the initiation of the inflammatory stage. In human bone biopsies, analysis revealed a significant correlation between repeats expression, mechanical stress and bone mineral density. We investigated a potential link between LINE-1 (L1) expression and bone mineralization by delivering a synthetic L1 RNA to osteoporotic patient-derived mesenchymal stem cells and observed a dsRNA-triggered protein kinase (PKR)-mediated stress response that led to strongly increased mineralization. This response was associated with a strong and transient inflammation, accompanied by a global translation attenuation induced by eIF2α phosphorylation. We demonstrated that L1 transfection reshaped the secretory profile of osteoblasts, triggering a paracrine activity that stimulated the mineralization of recipient cells. Synopsis: Transposable elements (TEs) are selfish genetic modules that have, in certain contexts, evolved into modulators of mammalian gene expression. This study provides evidence for a role of TEs in promoting an inflammatory response that is required for bone repair and mineralization via dsRNA sensing-dependent PKR activation. In mice, TE expression is transiently upregulated shortly after a bone fracture concurrently with the onset of the inflammatory process. In humans, mechanically loaded bones upregulate TE expression, which correlates with local bone mineral density. Transfection with LINE-1 (L1) TE RNA stimulates mineralization activity in human osteoblasts in vitro. Cytoplasmic L1 RNA accumulation in differentiating osteoblasts triggers PKR-dependent translational shutdown, inflammation, and reshaping of the secretome. The secretome of L1 RNA-primed osteoblasts induces the mineralization activity of recipient osteoblasts. Bone fracture is associated with upregulation of transient transposable element RNA expression triggering bone mineralization via a paracrine, secretome mediated process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The population has aged; there is a greater risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture. We describe the standards of care for hip fractures in various hospitals of Mexico. A total of 1042 subjects participated. The acute mortality was 4.3%. Significance. Hip fracture registries provide a means to compare care and establish improvement processes. Background: The Mexican population has aged; thus, there is a greater risk of osteoporosis, and its main consequence is hip fracture due to fragility. Its incidence is high, and it is expected to increase due to aging in our country. International guidelines provide standardized recommendations for the care of people with hip fractures, while hip fracture registries provide a means to compare care with local, national, and international clinical standards and establish improvement processes. Objective: Describe the standards of care for hip fractures in various hospital centers of the Mexican Social Security Institute. Methods: This was an observational, multicenter, longitudinal, and descriptive study. It included 24 hospital centers in Mexico. Informed consent was obtained. Data were recorded during the hospital stay, epidemiological data, and management, and follow-up was carried out 30 and 120 days after discharge. The information was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 1042 subjects aged 79.5 ± 7.6 years participated, mostly women (n = 739; 70.9%) from the community (n = 1,021; 98.0%) and with functional independence (Barthel 80.9 ± 22.2). The transfer time to the emergency room was 4.6 ± 14.6 days. Pertrochanteric hip fracture was the most common (n = 570, 54.7%). The most common type of procedure was dynamic hip screw (DHS) (n = 399; 40.1%). Documented thromboprophylaxis was granted in 91.5% (n = 953) and antibiotic prophylaxis in 53.0% (n = 552) of the patients. The goal of 36 h for the surgical procedure was achieved in 7.6% of the subjects (n = 76), with the most frequent cause being a delay in scheduling (n = 673, 67.6%). The mean time from emergency room to surgery was 7.8 ± 7.0 days. The acute mortality rate was 4.3%. Secondary pharmacologic prevention upon discharge occurred in 64.2% of patients. At 30 days, 370 subjects (37.1%) were lost to follow-up, with a mortality of 3%, while at 120 days, 166 subjects (27.8%) were lost, with a mortality of 2.8%. Conclusion: In the hospital centers where the study was carried out, there are still no standards of care for hip fractures, which makes it necessary to rethink the care for this population group through a strategy focused on meeting those standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The antiviral activity of recombinant bovine interferon lambda 3 (bovIFN-λ3) against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has been demonstrated in vitro in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBK) and in vivo in cattle. However, anti-BVDV activity of bovIFN-λ3 has not been studied in bovine respiratory tract epithelial cells, supposedly a primary target of BVDV infection when entering the host by the oronasal route.Methods: Here we investigated the anti-BVDV activity of bovIFN-λ3 in bovine turbinate-derived primary epithelial cells (BTu) using BVDV infection and immunoperoxidase staining, TCID50, RT-qPCR, DNA and transcriptome sequencing, and transfection with plasmids containing the two subunits, IL-28Rα and IL-10Rβ that constitute the bovIFN-λ3 receptor.Results: Our immunoperoxidase staining, RT-qPCR, and TCID50 results show that while BVDV was successfully cleared in MDBK cells treated with bovIFN-λ3 and bovIFN-α, only the latter, bovIFN-α, cleared BVDV in BTu cells. Preincubation of MDBK cells with bovIFN-λ3 before BVDV infection was needed to induce optimal antiviral state. Both cell types displayed intact type I and III IFN signaling pathways and expressed similar levels of IL-10Rβ subunit of the type III IFN receptor. Sequencing of PCR amplicon of the IL-28Rα subunit revealed intact transmembrane domain and lack of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BTu cells. However, RT-qPCR and transcriptomic analyses showed a lower expression of IL-28Rα transcripts in BTu cells as compared to MDBK cells. Interestingly, transfection of BTu cells with a plasmid encoding IL-28Rα subunit, but not IL-10Rβ subunit, established the bovIFN-λ3 sensitivity showing similar anti-BVDV activity to the response in MDBK cells.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the sensitivity of cells to bovIFN-λ3 depends not only on the quality but also of the quantity of the IL-28Rα subunit of the heterodimeric receptor. A reduction in IL-28Rα transcript expression was detected in BTu as compared to MDBK cells, despite the absence of spliced variants or SNPs. The establishment of bovIFN-λ3 induced anti-BVDV activity in BTu cells transfected with an IL-28Rα plasmid suggests that the level of expression of this receptor subunit is crucial for the specific antiviral activity of type III IFN in these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street harassment is a widespread problem that affects women from all backgrounds, often leading to negative psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and reduced self-worth. Despite the pioneering development of laws protecting women's rights, Spanish culture often normalizes this type of violence against women, and research on this context remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study with 245 women in Spain to investigate the occurrence and impact of street harassment on psychological well-being. We used the Street Harassment Assessment Scale, a self-report measure designed to evaluate the prevalence and frequency of street harassment, and explored its association with anxiety, fear of rape, avoidance behavior, self-esteem, and adherence to sexist beliefs. The results showed that 98% of women experienced street harassment, with 80% reporting monthly occurrences. The frequency of street harassment was correlated with increased anxiety, fear of rape and avoidance behavior, and lower self-esteem. Additionally, the results supported the link between the endorsement of sexist ideology and lower identification of events. Collectively, the results underscore the negative impact of street harassment on women's well-being and freedom, highlighting its role as a patriarchal tool that perpetuates female objectification and subordination. An integrative feminist perspective involving various fields, including psychology, public policy, and education, among others, is necessary to create safer environments for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is the oldest and most widespread mutualistic association on Earth and involves plants and soil fungi belonging to Glomeromycotina. A complex molecular, cellular, and genetic developmental program enables partner recognition, fungal accommodation in plant tissues, and activation of symbiotic functions such as transfer of phosphorus in exchange for carbohydrates and lipids. AM fungi, as ancient obligate biotrophs, have evolved strategies to circumvent plant defense responses to guarantee an intimate and long-lasting mutualism. They are among those root-associated microorganisms able to boost plants' ability to cope with biotic stresses leading to mycorrhiza-induced resistance (MIR), which can be effective across diverse hosts and against different attackers. Here, we examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of plant immunity during colonization by AM fungi and at the onset and display of MIR against belowground and aboveground pests and pathogens. Understanding the MIR efficiency spectrum and its regulation is of great importance to optimizing the biotechnological application of these beneficial microbes for sustainable crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies quality upgrading to escape competition from low-wage countries and proposes a new channel that does not rely on access to new inputs or markets. Informed by Peruvian apparel firms' response to China's WTO accession, I introduce factor specificity in a multi-product-firm model. Profitability losses due to competition in low-quality segments induce firms to reallocate specific factors to produce high-quality varieties for high-income countries. Gains from this channel are large. Using an observed quality measure, I show that import competition substantially increases domestic firms' exports and high-quality export shares. Firms also reduce prices, resulting in additional welfare gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biallelic SORD mutations cause one of the most frequent forms of recessive hereditary neuropathy, estimated to affect ∼10 000 patients in North America and Europe alone. Pathogenic SORD loss-of-function changes in the encoded enzyme sorbitol dehydrogenase result in abnormally high sorbitol levels in cells and serum. How sorbitol accumulation leads to peripheral neuropathy remains to be elucidated. A reproducible animal model for SORD neuropathy is essential to illuminate the pathogenesis of SORD deficiency and for preclinical studies of potential therapies. Therefore, we have generated a Sord knockout (KO), Sord −/−, Sprague Dawley rat, to model the human disease and to investigate the pathophysiology underlying SORD deficiency. We have characterized the phenotype in these rats with a battery of behavioural tests as well as biochemical, physiological and comprehensive histological examinations. Sord −/− rats had remarkably increased levels of sorbitol in serum, CSF and peripheral nerve. Moreover, serum from Sord −/− rats contained significantly increased levels of neurofilament light chain, an established biomarker for axonal degeneration. Motor performance significantly declined in Sord −/− animals starting at ∼7 months of age. Gait analysis evaluated with video motion-tracking confirmed abnormal gait patterns in the hindlimbs. Motor nerve conduction velocities of the tibial nerves were slowed. Light and electron microscopy of the peripheral nervous system revealed degenerating myelinated axons, de- and remyelinated axons, and a likely pathognomonic finding—enlarged 'ballooned' myelin sheaths. These findings mainly affected myelinated motor axons; myelinated sensory axons were largely spared. In summary, Sord −/− rats develop a motor-predominant neuropathy that closely resembles the human phenotype. Our studies revealed novel significant aspects of SORD deficiency, and this model will lead to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology and the therapeutic options for SORD neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Gamma-ray burst (GRB), GRB 221009A, a long-duration GRB, was observed simultaneously by the Water Cherenkov Detector Array (WCDA) and the Kilometer Squared Array (KM2A) of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) during the prompt emission and the afterglow periods. Characteristic multi-TeV photons up to 13 TeV were observed in the afterglow phase. The observed very high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray spectra by WCDA and KM2A during different time intervals and in different energy ranges can be explained very well in the context of the photohadronic model with the inclusion of extragalactic background light models. In the photohadronic scenario, interaction of high-energy protons with the synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) photons in the forward shock region of the jet is assumed to be the source of these VHE photons. The observed VHE spectra from the afterglow of GRB 221009A are similar to the VHE gamma-ray spectra observed from the temporary extreme high-energy peaked BL Lac (EHBL), 1ES 2344+514 only during the 11th and the 12th of August, 2016. Such spectra are new and have been observed for the first time in a GRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]