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La Selección Genómica (SG) es un método que emplea datos genómicos para estimar valores de cría y clasificar a los candidatos para la selección. A pesar de las numerosas ventajas, su aplicación en programas de mejoramiento de ganado vacuno permanece en etapas incipientes en muchos sistemas ganaderos desarrollados en ambientes tropicales y subtropicales, como los de Paraguay. Las simulaciones computacionales son herramientas poderosas, que mejoran nuestra comprensión de las aplicaciones de la SG en diferentes escenarios y son invaluables como paso inicial antes de implementar esta técnica en programas "reales" de mejoramiento genético. En este estudio, se emplearon datos reales de polimorfismos de nucleótido único (SNPs) de las razas Indicus y Taurus para simular tres esquemas de cruzamiento: cruces F1, absorbente y cruzamientos rotacionales. Se seleccionaron fenotipos para rasgos relacionados con la fuerza de corte, el crecimiento y la tolerancia. Se comparó la precisión predictiva de tres chips de SNP de 50k que diferían en las metodologías de selección: selección aleatoria, selección basada en diferencias mínimas de frecuencia alélica entre razas y selección basada en diferencias mínimas de frecuencia alélica entre razas con un umbral de 0.09 en Taurus. Los hallazgos indican que el cruce rotacional demuestra una precisión predictiva óptima (0.38), mientras que la selección de marcadores basada en diferencias de frecuencia alélica entre razas (0.18 y 0.17, respectivamente) no beneficia significativamente a las predicciones.

Breast cancer survivorship is a recognized risk factor for sexual dysfunction, with various clinical, sociocultural, and psychological factors potentially interacting differently across populations. This study compared sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and depression between females with breast cancer and those without, aiming to identify associated factors. A total of 362 females participated, including 227 with sexual dysfunction and 135 controls. Among them, 195 are breast cancer survivors, while 167 have no personal history of cancer. Key variables were analyzed using Student’s t-test for quantitative data and Fisher’s exact test for categorical data, while logistic regression models were used to assess the association between sexual dysfunction and various factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that, in sexually active females, breast cancer survivorship increased the odds of sexual dysfunction 2.7-fold (95% CI: 1.17–6.49; p = 0.020). Anxiety was significantly associated with sexual dysfunction, regardless of cancer status (AdOR 6.00; 95% CI: 2.50–14.43; p < 0.001). The interaction between cancer survival and anxiety further increased the odds of sexual dysfunction by more than 11-fold (AdOR 11.55; 95% CI: 3.81–35.04; p < 0.001). Additionally, obesity was found to be a protective factor among cancer survivors (AdOR 0.149; 95% CI: 0.027–0.819; p = 0.029). In conclusion, breast cancer has a significant impact on sexual function, with psychological factors like anxiety playing a crucial role. Addressing these issues requires a holistic, patient-centered approach that considers the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and sociocultural factors.

Reducing carbon emissions is a critical issue for the near future as climate change is an imminent reality. To reduce our carbon footprint, society must change its habits and behaviours to optimise energy consumption, and the current progress in embedded systems and artificial intelligence has the potential to make this easier. The smart building concept and intelligent energy management are key points to increase the use of renewable sources of energy as opposed to fossil fuels. In addition, cyber-physical systems (CPSs) provide an abstraction of the management of services that allows the integration of both virtual and physical systems in a seamless control architecture. In this paper, we propose to use multiagent reinforcement learning (MARL) to model the CPS services control plane in a smart house, with the purpose of minimising, by shifting or shutdown services, the use of non-renewable energy (fuel generator) by exploiting solar production and batteries. Furthermore, our proposal dynamically adapts its behaviour in real time according to current and historic energy production, thus being able to handle occasional changes in energy production due to meteorological phenomena or unexpected energy consumption. In order to evaluate our proposal, we have developed an open-source smart building energy simulator and deployed our use case. Finally, several simulations with different configurations are evaluated to verify the performance. The simulation results show that the reinforcement learning solution outperformed the priority-based and the heuristic-based solutions in both power consumption and adaptability in all configurations.

Background: This study investigates how mental toughness and adaptability in game matches contribute to the resiliency of Sepaktakraw athletes in the field of competitive challenges. Objectives: This study explored the impact of mental toughness and adaptability on the resilience of Sepaktakraw athletes facing competitive challenges. Methods: Conducted during the 2023-2024 academic year, the research involved 60 male athletes aged 18-22 from Batangas State University, each with 4-8 years of experience in the sport. Using a descriptive-correlational approach, the study assessed athletes’ perceptions of mental toughness and resilience through the 4C’s Psychological framework—Challenge, Commitment, Control, and Confidence. Results: Findings highlighted the role of mental toughness and adaptability in strengthening athletes’ resilience. Consequently, the study proposed tailored training activities focused on enhancing these traits in gameplay. Presented in tabular form, each activity includes specific objectives designed to help athletes develop coping mechanisms for setbacks, maintain focus, and improve mental toughness. Conclusion: By engaging in these targeted training exercises, teamwork, and community interactions, athletes are expected to build the resilience needed to overcome competitive challenges and achieve success in Sepaktakraw.

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene 677C➔T polymorphism is capable of altering folate metabolism and can modify certain neoplasia risk. Reports have suggested that folate can have an influence on bone development and so it is of interest to know if the MTHFR 677C➔T polymorphism is associated with the malignant transformation process of this tissue. The polymorphism was determined in 55 patients with osteosarcoma and in 180 healthy individuals. Compared with C/T+C/C genotypes, a 3.7-fold reduction in osteosarcoma probability is possible with the T/T genotype (OR 0.27, CI 95% 0.07–0.82). Undoubtedly, further studies, utilizing large samples and carried out on different populations, are necessary to confirm these results.

Influenza A virus (IAV) continuously threatens animal and public health globally, with swine serving as a crucial reservoir for viral reassortment and evolution. In Chile, H1N2 and H3N2 subtypes were introduced in the swine population before the H1N1 2009 pandemic, and the H1N1 was introduced from the H1N1pdm09 by successive reverse zoonotic events. Here, we report two novel introductions of IAV H3N2 human-origin in Chilean swine during 2023. Our study reveals a closer relationship between recent human seasonal H3N2 and novel swine strains. Interestingly, one strain maintains all the genes from the original human virus, but the other strain is already a reassortment of human H3N2 and an H1N2 previously observed on the farm. Observing global IAV sequences, a similar pattern was identified in the USA confirming the reverse zoonotic potential of current seasonal human H3N2 strains. These results highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance and reinforcing biosecurity in swine farms. These findings raise questions about their potential impact on viral dynamics in the swine population and public health, underscoring the need for further investigation into the origin and evolutionary dynamics of this emerging swine H3N2 reassortant virus.

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of intercellular communication in the tumour microenvironment. The cytokine transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) facilitates cancer progression via EVs secreted by cancer cells, which act on recipient cells in the tumour microenvironment. However, the mechanisms of how TGF‐β affects cancer cell EV release and composition are incompletely understood. Here, we systematically investigate the effects of TGF‐β on the release and protein composition of EVs from breast cancer cells. TGF‐β suppresses the transcription of RAB27B mediated by SMAD3 and thereby hampers EV release. Using click chemistry and quantitative proteomics, we found that TGF‐β increases the quantity of protein cargo and changes the composition of EVs by downregulating RAB27B expression. The recomposed EVs, induced by TGF‐β or RAB27B depletion, inhibit CD8+ T cell‐mediated breast cancer killing. Our findings reveal the critical roles of TGF‐β and RAB27B in cancer development by regulating EV release and composition and thus provide potential targets to improve cancer immunotherapy.

Las enfermedades bacterianas son responsables de grandes pérdidas económicas en la acuicultura en todo el mundo, y las ranas son susceptibles a las bacterias Gram negativas causantes de la septicemia. Este estudio registra las características bioquímicas, moleculares y patológicas de la infección por Citrobacter freundii y Edwardsiella tarda en hembras reproductoras de rana toro (Rana catesbeiana). Para el diagnóstico bacteriológico se utilizaron reproductoras clínicamente enfermas con letargo, anorexia, piel pálida, lesiones macroscópicas de hemorragia en patas traseras, distensión abdominal y parte superior de las ancas. Se obtuvieron dos aislados bacterianos de hígado, se caracterizaron como bacilos Gram negativos, catalasa positivos y oxidasa negativos. Se realizó un ensayo experimental para confirmar los postulados de Koch. Los aislados de hígado del bioensayo (postulados de Koch), RcM1 (R. catesbeiana Muestra 1) y RcM2 (R. catesbeiana Muestra 2) fueron sometidos a identificación bioquímica mediante un API comercial 20E y molecular, utilizando la secuenciación del genoma completo. Las muestras presentaron perfil bioquímico y molecular correspondiente a C. freundii y E. tarda. Por histopatología de los organismos iniciales y del experimento presentaron severa infiltración de eritrocitos, trombocitos, formación de nódulos con aglomerados bacterianos en el centro, infiltración de fibroblastos rodeando al nódulo, manchas negras, (melanocitos) multifocal, necrosis multifocal y pérdida de la estructura original en riñón, bazo, hígado e intestino.

From December 2023 to March 2024, a surveillance program aiming to detect Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was conducted on Antarctica territories, specifically at Fildes Peninsula (King George Island, Maritime Antarctic), and James Ross Island. At Fildes Peninsula, samples from marine birds and mammals were collected from four accessible sampling locations with significant animal colonies: Ardley Island, hosting a large concentration of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua); Ardley Cove, where small groups of likely non-breeding Chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) were present; seal haul-out sites of Southern elephant (Mirounga leonina) and Weddell (Leptonycotes wedellii); and, a nesting site of Southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus). Additionally, six samples were collected from five dead skuas near the Lachman lakes on James Ross Island (63.7989S, 57.8105W) on March 3, 2024. Despite collecting a total of 943 samples from Fildes Peninsula, all results tested negative for HPAI, and no animals displayed clinical signs or behaviors consistent with HPAI infection. However, all skua samples from James Ross Island tested positive for HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4 by specific real-time RT-PCR reactions, confirming the first recorded HPAI-related mortality event in Antarctica (south of 60°S), specifically in skuas. Further research is necessary to genetically characterize the virus and better understand the role of skuas in viral dissemination in Antarctica.

In this survey, LIS professionals from Columban College, Inc. were asked about their training needs and preferred training mode. The researcher employed a descriptive cross-sectional research approach. The survey instrument was distributed to all LIS professionals throughout the Academic Year 2022-2023. A Google form invitation was used to administer it. The participants were informed of their choice to participate in the study. The training needs of LIS professionals are classified in terms of personal and professional competency development. Leadership skills, lifelong learning skills and personal development, interpersonal competencies, and cultural competencies are the much-needed training related to personal competencies. The professional competencies of LIS professionals are grouped according to managing information resources and services. In managing information resources, collection management, e-Resources management, preservation, indexing, and abstracting are needed training. At the same time, selection and acquisition, and cataloging and classification, are moderately needed. Moreover, relative to managing information services, patron training, information literacy, public services/outreach, and children's services are much LIS professionals require. In contrast, access services, reader's advisory, and reference/information are moderately needed. In terms of hardware, system units and input systems are much needed, while storage is moderately needed. Relative to software, operating systems, utility, application, communication software, and application of information tools and technologies, are much needed. Managing information organizations, strategic planning/policy formulation, financial management/budgeting ad funding, project management/research, personnel management, public relations/marketing and promotion, collaboration/networking, and facilities management are much-needed training by the LIS professionals. Moreover, the LIS professionals' much-preferred methods for training provisions are the face-to-face instructional method, online/webinar method, practical hands-on method, web-based training and computer tutorials, and books and references or self-learning.

Abstract Objective To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of imprisoned patients with epilepsy seen at Samaritana University Hospital (HUS) in Bogotá D.C., between January 2017 and November 2020. Methods Cross‐sectional cohort study of inmate patients over 18 years of age seen at HUS between January 2017 and November 2020, with a discharge diagnosis of epilepsy. A descriptive univariate analysis of patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was carried out. Results Overall, 92 patients were included, 95.7% were males with a median age of 32 years (IQR: 26–44); 65% were assessed in the outpatient clinic; median hospital length of stay was 2 days (IQR: 0) and 7.6% required admission to the intensive care unit; 75% had focal onset epilepsy, 63.04% with undetermined etiology 31.52% with structural causes. Polytherapy was found in 53.3%, valproic acid being the most frequently used antiseizure medication in 59.78%; lack of adherence was reported in 15.22% and inadequate seizure control in 81.52%; status epilepticus occurred in 5.34%. A total of 31 EEG recordings and 53 brain images were performed, of which, 29% and 39.62%, respectively, were abnormal. Non‐epileptic paroxysmal events were diagnosed in 5.34%, while organic or psychiatric comorbidities were found in 25%, and the use of psychoactive substances was documented in 17.39%. Upon discharge, 93.47% had no disability, and only 45.65% returned for outpatient follow‐up. Significance The clinical profile was of men in the fourth decade of life with focal onset epilepsy characterized by high seizure frequency, most of whom were receiving antiseizure medication, with a high proportion of polytherapy. The results are a point of departure for prospective studies designed to identify points to intervene and improve healthcare for inmates with epilepsy. Plain Language Summary Inmates are a vulnerable proportion of persons with epilepsy. In this group there are significant differences compared to the general population, especially with greater psychiatric comorbidity and worse control of epileptic seizures due to difficulties in accessing medical care, antiseizure medication and diagnostic tests. We found that the most characteristic population is made up of men in the fourth decade of life with a high frequency of seizures, most of whom were receiving multiple antiseizure medication This study is the first of its kind in Latin America and it is an initial approach to epilepsy in inmates.

The severity of adenovirus infection or the success of adenovirus-vectorized gene therapy largely depends on the efficiency of viral entry into cells. Various drugs can alter viral entry. This study evaluated the effects of dexamethasone, paracetamol, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and ketorolac on adenovirus entry into cells in vitro and in vivo. SiHa cell cultures pretreated with dexamethasone, paracetamol, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketorolac, or no drug were exposed to the Ad-BGal vector. The percentage of cells showing vector entry was quantified microscopically. In vivo, BALB-C mice pretreated for 7 days with the drugs or no drug were exposed to the Ad-BGal vector intravenously (IV) or via oral (VO). Organs showing vector entry were identified by X-Gal staining and eosin counterstaining. Hepatic areas with adenovirus entry were quantified in µm2. Dexamethasone, paracetamol, and ibuprofen increased adenovirus entry both in vitro and in vivo. Diclofenac increased entry only in vitro. Ketorolac did not affect adenoviral entry. The liver exhibited the most significant changes, with dexamethasone, paracetamol, and ibuprofen increasing adenovirus entry the most. Oral administration of the vector showed that dexamethasone increased its entry into the pharynx. Some physicochemical properties of the drugs (MW (g/mol), LogP, MR [cm3/mol], tPSA, CMR, LogS, and ClogP) were analyzed, and their possible implications on cell membrane properties that could potentially influence adenovirus entry through mechanisms independent of cellular receptors were discussed. Anti-inflammatory drugs could alter adenoviral infections and adenovirus vector-based gene therapies, necessitating further research.

This study presents a single-stage and two-stage thermoelectric generator (TEG) with different geometric shapes of the legs (rectangular, trapezoidal, inverted trapezoidal, rhomboid, and hourglass shapes). The various geometric shapes of the legs are combined between the two stages using phase change material (PCM) to cool the generator. The study's objective is to determine the optimal dynamic behavior of the TEG through the geometric design of the legs. The results show the behavior of the efficiency, the generated voltage, and the time it takes for the PCM to melt. The legs of the optimal two-stage system, Rhomboid-Rhomboid (G) and Trapezoidal-Inverted Trapezoidal (B), with a relationship γT=4, reach the best efficiency of 3.88% and 3.9% for the first and second stages, respectively, applying a heat flow of Qh=0.1W. On the other hand, the single-stage rhomboid system achieves the same maximum efficiency as the two-stage rhomboid system (G system), which is 3.9%. The temperature difference of each module is almost the same as that of the single-stage system. However, the voltage generated by the two-stage TEG is higher, and the efficiency remains practically constant compared to the single-stage system, which decreases with time. The effect of PCM's phase change process on TEG performance is analyzed, considering the characteristic heat transfer of PCM.