Search

Historically, Chinese societies have been characterized by patriarchal structures (Confucianism and filial piety) that assign distinct roles to men and women within the family unit. These norms typically dictate that women take on the primary responsibility for childcare and household duties, while men are expected to be the primary breadwinners. As the authors observe the second generation of Chinese immigrants settling in Portugal, the immigrants grapple with the significant challenge of striving to preserve cultural heritage with the adaptation to Western norms. Therefore, there is a growing recognition of the need to reassess these traditional gender norms. Women in these families are increasingly participating in the workforce, challenging the notion that childcare should be solely to their domain. This study focuses on the experiences of Chinese immigrants, including both married couples and single individuals residing in Portugal. Through qualitative research methods such as interviews (involving 25 participants) and observations, the research aims to gain a nuanced understanding of the attitude and engagement toward childcare, and the ways it differs between men and women in these immigrant families. Participants’ responses indicate that men’s anticipation of women dedicating more time to childcare is notably influenced by educational attainment and financial circumstances. Conversely, women generally believe that being exempt from labor is not a viable alternative irrespective of their educational qualifications. The traditional distribution of caregiving duties does not consistently apply to Chinese female immigrants. By exploring the influence of traditional Confucian culture on migrants’ perspectives and challenges in assuming parental responsibilities, this study highlights gender disparities among Chinese immigrants and propose solutions to address this gender conflict on division.

We present an assessment of the tropical peatlands in the upper-Ucayali Valley in central Peru—an Amazonian region that has been largely ignored in ecological and wetlands research. We focused on groundtruthing and identifying the strongest landscape-level predictors of peat depth. The 2015 product from the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) appears to be a sufficient proxy, primarily due to its inclusion of the aguajal category, identified as bosque inundable de palmeras (Bi-pal) or palm swamp, which are typically associated with Amazonian peatlands. Aberrations in the MINAM product are also present in attempted updates addressing aguajales, wetlands, and conservation threats, regardless of the varied geographic methodologies employed by previous studies. Our analysis of the CIFOR Global Wetlands Map lends credence to these methodologies, although our results are inconsistent with the depth predictions contained within the product. The predictive strength of factors contained with the MIANM classification is explored, most notably contact segments indicative of transitions from high-terrace terra firma forests (bosque de terraza alta) directly to low-lying inundated and wetland zones. The potential of factors related to elevation (slope, rise, steepness) is likewise questioned based on their performance in multiple linear regression analyses. Future studies are needed to enhance our understanding of the hydrogeologic settings and associated geochemical attributes of palm swamps and peatlands in The Amazon.

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous neoplasm characterized by several subtypes. One of the most aggressive with high metastasis rates presents overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). A quantitative evaluation of HER2 levels is essential for a correct diagnosis, selection of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy and monitoring the response to therapy. Results In this paper, we propose the synergistic use of SERS and Raman technologies for the identification of HER2 expressing cells and its accurate assessment. To this end, we selected SKBR3 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines, which have the highest and lowest HER2 expression, respectively, and MCF10A, a non-tumorigenic cell line from normal breast epithelium for comparison. The combined approach provides a quantitative estimate of HER2 expression and visualization of its distribution on the membrane at single cell level, clearly identifying cancer cells. Moreover, it provides a more comprehensive picture of the investigated cells disclosing a metabolic signature represented by an elevated content of proteins and aromatic amino acids. We further support these data by silencing the HER2 gene in SKBR3 cells, using the RNA interference technology, generating stable clones further analysed with the same combined methodology. Significant changes in HER2 expression are detected at single cell level before and after HER2 silencing and the HER2 status correlates with variations of fatty acids and downstream signalling molecule contents in the context of the general metabolic rewiring occurring in cancer cells. Specifically, HER2 silencing does reduce the growth ability but not the lipid metabolism that, instead, increases, suggesting that higher fatty acids biosynthesis and metabolism can occur independently of the proliferating potential tied to HER2 overexpression. Conclusions Our results clearly demonstrate the efficacy of the combined SERS and Raman approach to definitely pose a correct diagnosis, further supported by the data obtained by the HER2 gene silencing. Furthermore, they pave the way to a new approach to monitor the efficacy of pharmacologic treatments with the aim to tailor personalized therapies and optimize patients’ outcome.

Abstract This study examines the convergence between traditional and scientific knowledge regarding the use of fire and its potential to trigger wildfires, with possible impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. The research encompasses three distinct natural regions of Ecuador: the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon. Data on traditional fire use were collected through semi-structured interviews with 791 members from five local communities. These data were compared with climatic variables (rainfall (mm), relative humidity (%), wind speed (km/h), and wind direction) to understand the climatic conditions conducive to wildfires and their relationship with human perceptions. Furthermore, the severity of fires over the past 4 years (2019–2022) was assessed using remote sensing methods, employing the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and the difference between pre-fire and post-fire conditions (NBR Pre-fire–NBR Post-fire). The results revealed a significant alignment between traditional knowledge, climatic data, and many fires, which were of low severity, suggesting potential benefits for ecosystems. These findings not only enable the identification of optimal techniques and timing for traditional burns but also contribute to human well-being by maintaining a harmonious balance between communities and their environment. Additionally, they provide valuable insights for the development of more inclusive and effective integrated fire management strategies in these natural areas of Ecuador.

Introduction Metastases account for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths (1), however, why some cancers metastasize while others do not is poorly understood. Specific genetic alterations do not define metastatic [...], Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is unclear how intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) contributes to metastasis and how metastatic cells adapt to distant tissue environments. The study of these adaptations is challenged by the limited access to patient material and a lack of experimental models that appropriately recapitulate ITH. To investigate metastatic cell adaptations and the contribution of ITH to metastasis, we analyzed single-cell transcriptomes of matched primary tumors and metastases from patient-derived xenograft models of breast cancer. We found profound transcriptional differences between the primary tumor and metastatic cells. Primary tumors upregulated several metabolic genes, whereas motility pathway genes were upregulated in micrometastases, and stress response signaling was upregulated during progression. Additionally, we identified primary tumor gene signatures that were associated with increased metastatic potential and correlated with patient outcomes. Immune-regulatory control pathways were enriched in poorly metastatic primary tumors, whereas genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition were upregulated in highly metastatic tumors. We found that ITH was dominated by epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which presented as a dynamic continuum with intermediate EMP cell states characterized by specific genes such as CRYAB and S100A2. Elevated expression of an intermediate EMP signature correlated with worse patient outcomes. Our findings identified inhibition of the intermediate EMP cell state as a potential therapeutic target to block metastasis.

La harina obtenida de granos amaranto es considerada una fuente rica en compuestos bioactivos por lo que ha llamado el interés en industrias como la alimentaria. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la incorporación de harina de Amaranthu spp y chocolate en las características sensoriales y bromatológicas de galletas. Para lo cual, se empleó un Diseño Completamente al Azar (DCA) con un arreglo factorial A*B, donde el factor A = Porcentaje de sustitución de harina de amaranto y B = Adición de chocolate, se evaluaron los perfiles sensoriales mediante una escala hedónica y características bromatólogicas (humedad, cenizas, fibra, grasas y proteínas). Además, al tratamiento que presentó mejor caracterización bromatológica se analizó la presencia de Aerobeos mesófilos, mohos y levaduras. En cuanto a la caracterización sensorial, se demostró que los tratamientos T1, T3 y T7 presentaron la mayor intensidad en los perfiles evaluados. Sin embargo, en el T7 (20 % de HA +0 % de chocolate) se observó una mayor concentración de proteína (8.37 %); fibra (4.69 %); y ceniza (2.31 %); así como también, un bajo contenido de grasa (17.84 %) y humedad (2.94 %), también se evidenció una presencia de 0,31𝑥103 A. mesófilos y ausencia de mohos y levaduras. Con esto se concluye que la harina de amaranto puede ser utilizadas en la elaboración de galletas en concentraciones del 20 % y permite obtener un producto con buena calidad nutricional. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v18i2.1484

Introdução: compreender o sentido e o significado de conforto para a pessoa em situação paliativa pode apresentar-se como um desafio para o enfermeiro na definição dos cuidados. Objetivo: mapear a evidência científica disponível sobre os cuidados de enfermagem que promovem o conforto na pessoa em situação paliativa. Materiais e método: revisão da literatura segundo as recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute e do Prisma-ScR. Pesquisa completa nas bases de dados Medline Complete, Cinhal Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal e OpenGrey. Incluídos estudos primários, com metodologia quantitativa, qualitativa ou métodos mistos, publicados entre janeiro de 2014 e março de 2023, em português, inglês ou espanhol. Sintaxe de pesquisa ajustada a cada base de dados. Combinação de MeSH, palavras de texto e de termos de indexação através dos operadores booleanos AND e OR. A truncadura* foi utilizada para potencializar a pesquisa. Resultados: identificaram-se 681 artigos, dos quais 239 eram duplicatas. Analisaram-se 442 estudos, excluindo-se 409 por não refletirem o tema. Recuperou-se o texto integral de 33 artigos, sendo que oito foram incluídos na revisão. Os cuidados de enfermagem promotores do conforto integram as dimensões física, psicoespiritual, ambiental e sociocultural. Destacam-se a implementação de medidas farmacológicas, o respeito pelas crenças religiosas e culturais, a facilitação da presença de familiares, a comunicação e a flexibilização das normas. Conclusões: a promoção do conforto para a pessoa em situação paliativa inclui o cuidado direto e o apoio à família. Da individualização dos cuidados e da resposta às necessidades específicas, pode resultar alívio, facilidade e transcendência.

Abstract Ulcerative colitis (UC) is driven by immune and stromal subsets, culminating in epithelial injury. Vedolizumab (VDZ) is an anti-integrin antibody that is effective for treating UC. VDZ is known to inhibit lymphocyte trafficking to the intestine, but its broader effects on other cell subsets are less defined. To identify the inflammatory cells that contribute to colitis and are affected by VDZ, we perform single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of peripheral blood and colonic biopsies in healthy controls and patients with UC on VDZ or other therapies. Here we show that VDZ treatment is associated with alterations in circulating and tissue mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) subsets, along with modest shifts in lymphocytes. Spatial multi-omics of formalin-fixed biopsies demonstrates trends towards increased abundance and proximity of MNP and fibroblast subsets in active colitis. Spatial transcriptomics of archived specimens pre-treatment identifies epithelial-, MNP-, and fibroblast-enriched genes related to VDZ responsiveness, highlighting important roles for these subsets in UC.

Enquadramento: Os estudantes de Enfermagem relatam fatores associados a elevados níveis de stress em ensino clínico (EC) e que são comumente experienciados neste processo de ensino aprendizagem. Objetivo: Mapear a evidência científica sobre os fatores indutores de stress nos estudantes de enfermagem em ensino clínico. Metodologia: Scoping review baseada no método de Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Utilizada a mnemónica PCC para dimensionar a população, conceito e contexto. No processo de seleção, extração e análise dos artigos, estiveram envolvidos dois revisores independentes. Resultados: Da pesquisa efetuada foram incluídos 17 estudos. Foram identificados fatores que integram aspetos pessoais e profissionais, fatores relacionados com o ambiente/estrutura do EC e a sua organização, bem como fatores associados aos sistemas de apoio, nomeadamente ao modelo de supervisão que acompanha este processo. Conclusão: Os fatores de stress influenciam o processo de ensino aprendizagem dos estudantes em EC, por isso, devem ser desenvolvidas estratégias de ensino que permitam assegurar a efetividade no desenvolvimento de competências dos estudantes em EC.

Background Colitis caused by checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) is frequent and is treated with empiric steroids, but CPI colitis mechanisms in steroid-experienced or refractory disease are unclear.Methods Using colon biopsies and blood from predominantly steroid-experienced CPI colitis patients, we performed multiplexed single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics to nominate contributing populations.Results CPI colitis biopsies showed enrichment of CD4+resident memory (RM) T cells in addition to CD8+ RM and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Matching T cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes suggested that both RMs are progenitors that yield cytotoxic effectors. Activated, CD38+ HLA-DR+ CD4+ RM and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells were enriched in steroid-experienced and a validation data set of steroid-naïve CPI colitis, underscoring their pathogenic potential across steroid exposure. Distinct from ulcerative colitis, CPI colitis exhibited perturbed stromal metabolism (NAD+, tryptophan) impacting epithelial survival and inflammation. Endothelial cells in CPI colitis after anti-TNF and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4) upregulated the integrin α4β7 ligand molecular vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1), which may preferentially respond to vedolizumab (anti-α4β7).Conclusions These findings nominate CD4+ RM and MAdCAM-1+ endothelial cells for targeting in specific subsets of CPI colitis patients.

A growing interest in healthy diets has increased demand for fish and seafood, with aquaculture playing a crucial role in meeting this need. Developing new aquaculture products can enhance their commercial value and address consumer demand, but it is unclear which products will be well-received. This study aimed to generate ideas for new products derived from sea bream and prawns, and to gather consumer opinions on these ideas, segmented by gender and age. Two methodologies were used: focus groups and Check-All-That-Apply (CATA). In the focus groups, with two sessions per species and 10 participants each, ideas for aquaculture products were generated and categorized as fresh, dehydrated, fermented, marinated, and canned. The CATA technique, applied to 387 individuals, assessed the acceptability of fresh species, yielding average scores of 6.6 for sea bream and 6.8 for prawns. Sea bream was associated with products like fillets and long-shelf-life loins, while prawns were linked to snacks and toppings. In conclusion, the use of tools like focus groups has shown promising results for developing new aquaculture products. CATA analysis indicated that sea bream should be minimally processed with a long shelf life, and prawns should be processed into dehydrated products. Women preferred traditional products, while men favoured innovative options.

Se realizó un estudio basado en la evaluación de la corrosividad de la atmósfera sobre el acero al carbono en una zona costera del cantón de Manta en Manabí, Ecuador. Ocho sitios de exposición fueron seleccionados a diferentes distancias desde la línea costera. En cada sitio de exposición se colocaron soportes de madera con tres captadores de paño seco para la determinación mensual de la deposición de las sales de iones cloruro y seis probetas metálicas de acero al carbono de dimensiones estandarizadas. Tres probetas metálicas para la medición mensual y anual de la velocidad de corrosión atmosférica para cada tiempo de exposición respectivamente durante un año de estudio. Los valores promedio mensuales de humedad relativa, temperatura y viento fueron obtenidos de una estación meteorológica ubicaba cerca de la zona de estudio. Los resultados obtenidos a partir de la descripción típica del ambiente agresivo costero de la atmósfera y los demostrados en cuanto al comportamiento de la velocidad de corrosión mensual y los factores influyentes, así como las categorías de corrosividad de la atmósfera determinadas a diferentes distancias desde la línea costera, pueden ser tomados como criterios por durabilidad, antes de proceder con las labores de diseño, construcción, mantenimiento y reparación de las estructuras en la zona costera de estudio. Se demostró una diferencia entre las dos variantes de evaluación de la corrosividad de la atmósfera, es decir, entre la estimación a partir de la descripción típica del ambiente agresivo costero de la atmósfera en la zona de estudio.

The aim of this study was to identify invasive aquatic species and assess ecological factors in 5 islands, namely Mipongo, Japon, Kabongo, Kingabwa and Molondo.of the Pool Malebo. A floristic inventory was conducted around these sites and physico-chemical characteristics were measured in each island between 8:00am and 3:00pm using an appropriate electronic probe. The floristic affinity between sites was determined by cluster analysis using MVSP software version 4.03, after highlighting the Jaccard's coefficient based on the presence/absence of species in the different collection sites. The comparison between the sites was carried out using the ANOVA test with SPSS 25 software for physico-chemical parameters. The findings show that 24 species were identified as invasive out of which, six were dominant, namely Eichhornia crassipes, Echinocloa pyramidalis, Pistia stratiotes, Leersia hexandra, Ludwigia abissinega, and Ludwigia sp. No significant differences were observed for the temperature (F=0.42 and p=0.66), conductivity (F=1.55 and p=0.25) and turbidity (F=2.28 and p=0.14) for the three sites. While the pH (F=4.98; p=0.026; LSD=0.361), dissolved oxygen (F=12; p=0.001; LSD=3.65) and salinity (F=4.06; p= 0.04; LSD= 1.69) showed significant variation in the three sites. The formation of vegetation groups around these islands in the Pool Malebo would also be justified by the influence of these parameters. The spread of invasive alien species on the surface of the river needs to draw more attention to scientists, policy makers and government in order to find a way to a good management of these species.

The effort to uncover herpetofauna within the zone of influence of the Sierra del Divisor National Park has been focused on the northern reaches. The Abujao basin represents the Sierra del Divisor region well in an understudied area central to the Peruvian Amazon. We found 108 species of amphibians and squamate reptiles. Seven records extend ranges from the northern regions, while two records unite with southern regions (Madre De Dios and the Fitzcarrald Arc/Purus valley). There are higher levels of diversity attributable to land-cover units indicative of high terraces and hilly zones, as opposed to low hydromorphic habitats. Our new record for Pristimantis iiap Padial, Gagliardi-Urrutia, Chaparro & Gutiérrez, 2016 brings more resolution to this newly described species. We made observations of an unidentified species of blindsnake, which could represent a unique part of the fauna. Despite variations, we only uphold the presence of various subspecies of Micrurus annellatus Peters, 1871.

Las interacciones sociales facilitan el intercambio de información constante, dando como resultado nuevos paradigmas en las sociedades interculturales. La presente investigación se planteó como objetivo principal establecer las consecuencias de la interacción social en la comunicación intercultural de la comuna Chigüilpe, en el cantón Santo Domingo, analizando el impacto de la convivencia y las características de las personas que interactúan en la comuna. La búsqueda de la información se desarrolló con el nivel de asociación de variables, que permitió constituir predicciones a través de la intervención de las relaciones entre los contenidos, midiéndose el grado de relación y a partir de ello, determinar tendencias o modelos de comportamiento mayoritario, de modo que la obtención de resultado a través del cuestionario de investigación, contraste la información de la guía de observación y la entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados de la investigación obtenidos de los nativos Tsáchilas, comprobaron que las interacciones sociales generan ingresos económicos favorables, sin embargo, en el proceso se pierden sus costumbres y tradiciones, siendo la consecuencia más notable, en la población limitada que existen la actualidad, ya que tanto jóvenes como adultos, prefieren mejorar sus condiciones de vida abandonando el territorio originario de nacimiento y con ellos sus costumbres y tradiciones.

Cette étude a été réalisée dans le cadre de la valorisation des produits forestiers non ligneux de la République Démocratique du Congo. Elle porte sur la connaissance de l’importance, des propriétés biochimiques et de l’activité glycophage in vitro des fruits de deux espèces de Synsepalum, à savoir S. dulcificum et S. stipulatum, provenant du Territoire de Bikoro, dans la Province de l’Equateur. Le matériel végétal est constitué des pulpes des fruits des deux espèces. Une enquête ethnobotanique, l’analyse des minéraux, les dosages des métabolites primaires et secondaires, et l’activité glycophage ont été réalisés sur les extraits aqueux des deux espèces. Les résultats montrent que ces deux plantes ont une grande importance alimentaire et médicinale. Les fruits sont essentiellement utilisés dans l’alimentation comme édulcorant, alors que la racine, l’écorce et dans une moindre mesure les feuilles, sont utilisés dans la prise en charge des hémorroïdes, la carie dentaire et les faiblesses sexuelles. Ces deux plantes contiennent essentiellement les éléments minéraux majeurs tels que sodium, magnésium, calcium, fer et phosphore. Les pulpes des fruits de deux espèces ont presque une composition presque similaire en métabolites primaires, elles sont riches en polyphénols, alcaloïdes, flavonoïdes, quinones, anthocyanes, tanins condensés et saponines et possèdent un effet glycophage. Ces résultats sont encourageants et mettent en évidence la valeur nutritionnelle de ces deux espèces végétales. Mots clés: Plante médicinale, Synsepalum, diabète, nutrithérapie, RD Congo

La inversión educativa del Estado está vinculada al gasto público destinado a la escolaridad de la población, y esta decisión tiene diversas consecuencias. Con el objetivo de determinar la eficiencia regional del gasto público por estudiante y la escolaridad en educación secundaria alcanzada en Cajamarca, se evaluó una década (2010-2019) de su evolución, y se analizó su asociación con factores sociales y económicos. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo correlacional y se recopilaron datos oficiales del Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI). Los resultados revelaron comportamientos irregulares en términos de incrementos, estancamientos y decrementos tanto en la matrícula como en el gasto público, los cuales no siempre se tradujeron en tendencias positivas, sino también en negativas. La efectividad del gasto público en la escolaridad alcanzada fue influenciada directamente por el Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH) y de manera inversa por el Producto Bruto Interno (PBI). Estos factores condicionantes se combinan en la efectividad del gasto público.

Background: Infection by coronavirus SARS-CoV2 is a severe and often deadly disease that has implications for the respiratory system and multiple organs across the human body. While the effects in the lung have been extensively studied, less is known about the impact COVID-19 has across other organs. Methods: Here, we contribute a single-nuclei RNA-sequencing atlas comprising six human organs across 20 autopsies where we analyzed the transcriptional changes due to COVID-19 in multiple cell types. The integration of data from multiple organs enabled the identification of systemic transcriptional changes. Results: Computational cross-organ analysis for endothelial cells and macrophages identified systemic transcriptional changes in these cell types in COVID-19 samples. In addition, analysis of gene modules showed enrichment of specific signaling pathways across multiple organs in COVID-19 autopsies. Conclusions: Altogether, the COVID Tissue Atlas enables the investigation of both cell type-specific and cross-organ transcriptional responses to COVID-19, providing insights into the molecular networks affected by the disease and highlighting novel potential targets for therapies and drug development. Funding: The Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, The Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub.

The tropical rainforest of Bajo Calima, Buenaventura, Colombia, was known for its large biodiversity and enormous regeneration potential. During the 1970–90s, industrial use through clear-cutting gave rise to secondary forest (SF), which is now a collective property of the communities that inhabit it. The productivity of secondary forest would recover after 30 years according to the linear recovery trend, as predicted by Mazuera (1985). The purpose of conducting this research in Bajo Calima, Colombia was to quantify the productivity of SF at different ages after clear-cutting. Plots of 0.1 ha were selected after 23, 27, 31 and 35 years of SF following clear-cutting of the initial primary forest (PF). It is now managed through selective logging. Samples of equal size of PF and SF without selective logging, called mature secondary forest MSF (> 40 years), were used as controls. The productivity variables of the SF expressed as basal area, volume (Vol) and aerial biomass (AB), on average for the four ages studied was 45%, 29% and 22% compared to the productivity of the PF, and 94%, 50% and 49% with respect to the productivity of the MSF. Without the opportunity to reach maturity the trend predicted by the recovery model was not achieved and the SF showed productive characteristics far below those of the initial primary forest.

Assessing HER2 expression in breast cancer cells holds significant diagnostic and prognostic importance. Traditional methods like immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization suffer from low sensitivity and misclassification rates. In this frame, techniques such as vibrational microscopies can ensure, together with low costs and analytical speed, both high accuracy and precision. Herein, we propose a combined Raman and SERS approach for characterizing 4 breast cancer cell lines and normal cells with varying HER2 expression levels. We show that Raman spectroscopy offers a promising alternative, providing unique molecular fingerprints for cell types based on their biochemical signatures. Its non-invasive nature and ability to detect subtle changes in cellular metabolism make it ideal for cancer cell analysis. Coupled with machine learning techniques like PCA and LDA, Raman spectroscopy can classify different breast cancer subcategories accurately. Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) further enhances sensitivity, allowing the detection of single molecules like HER2 receptors. Overall, our results enable fast screening of cancer subpopulation in terms of HER2 concentration and macromolecule cell content. Integration of Raman spectroscopy with SERS offers precise identification and opens avenues for personalized therapies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, represents a global health challenge due to its complexity and the limitations of current diagnostic techniques. By combining Raman spectroscopy and Artificial Intelligence (AI), we have succeeded in classifying tumor cells. In fact, we have performed a first Raman spectral analysis based on the characterization and differentiation between uncultured primary human liver cells derived from resected HCC tumor tissue and the adjacent non-tumor counterpart. Biochemical analysis of the collected Raman spectra revealed that there is more DNA in the nuclei of the tumor cells than in non-tumor cells. We then develop three machine learning approaches, including multivariate models and neural networks, to rapidly automate the recognition and classification of the Raman spectra of both cells. To evaluate the performance of the developed AI models, we prepared and analyzed two additional cell samples with a ratio of 4:1 and 3:1 between tumor and non-tumor cells and compared the obtained results with the nominal percentages (accuracy of 80 and 60%, respectively). These results confirm that the models are able to make classifications at the level of a single spectrum, indicating the possibility of rapidly analysing and classifying a primary HCC cell.

Here we have developed an advanced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform that enables the ultrasensitive, rapid and highly specific identification of tumour biomarkers in liquid biopsies. Our focus is on the detection of Thyroglobulin (Tg), the most important tumour biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of thyroid cancer. Specifically, SERS-active substrates fabricated by nanosphere lithography on chip or on tips of optical fiber (OF) were functionalised with Tg Capture antibodies. Gold nanoparticles were functionalized with Detection antibodies and conjugated with a Raman reporter. The sandwich assay platform was validated in the planar configuration and a detection limit of only 7 pg/ml was successfully achieved. A careful morphological characterisation of the SERS substrates allowed us to strictly correlate the coverage area with the Tg concentration. The same approach was successfully demonstrated in the washout of fine needle aspiration biopsies from cancer patients. The strategy was transferred to the Lab On Fiber (LOF) SERS platform and successfully used to detect Tg concentration. The proposed SERS-enhanced immunoassay platform has proven to be highly versatile and can be used with both microfluidic chip POC devices and SERS-OF-based optrodes to perform sensitive, specific and rapid ex vivo assays for Tg detection in liquid intraoperative biopsies.

The difference between children and adults in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is not clearly established. Here the authors use gene expression analysis of nasopharyngeal samples from children and adults and show a higher level of immune response in children compared to adults, including of B and T cell activation.

Greenhouse gas emissions are related to non-renewable sources. For this reason, the methodological guide for the estimation of methane and carbon dioxide emissions in flooded lands was published in 2006 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Since 2016, several studies have been carried out in temperate and tropical zones reservoirs. Costa Rica is a Central American country known for its large hydroelectric resources and its highly renewable electricity generation matrix. This work represents the first study for 11 of 24 hydroelectric plants managed by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute. Methane emissions, energy density and emission factors for electricity generation are determined. Furthermore, a static mathematical model is used to determine these factors with little input data. It is estimated that the greatest contribution to methane emissions corresponds to the Arenal reservoir, which has the largest surface area and the lowest energy density.