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It is of international priority to develop a vaccine against sexually transmittedChlamydia trachomatisinfections to combat the continued global spread of the infection. The optimal immunization strategy still remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunization strategies in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model. Cynomolgus macaques (Macaqua fascicularis) were immunized following different multi-component prime-boost immunization-schedules and subsequently challenged withC. trachomatisSvD in the lower genital tract. The immunization antigens included the recombinant protein antigen CTH522 adjuvanted with CAF01 or aluminium hydroxide, MOMP DNA antigen and MOMP vector antigens (HuAd5 MOMP and MVA MOMP). All antigen constructs were highly immunogenic raising significant systemicC. trachomatis-specific IgG responses. In particularly the CTH522 protein vaccinated groups raised a fast and strong pecificsIgG in serum. The mapping of specific B cell epitopes within the MOMP showed that all vaccinated groups, recognized epitopes near or within the variable domains (VD) of MOMP, with a consistent VD4 response in all animals. Furthermore, serum from all vaccinated groups were able toin vitroneutralize both SvD, SvE and SvF. Antibody responses were reflected on the vaginal and ocular mucosa, which showed detectable levels of IgG. Vaccines also inducedC. trachomatis-specific cell mediated responses, as shown byin vitrostimulation and intracellular cytokine staining of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In general, the protein (CTH522) vaccinated groups established a multifunctional CD4 T cell response, whereas the DNA and Vector vaccinated groups also established a CD8 T cells response. Following vaginal challenge withC. trachomatisSvD, several of the vaccinated groups showed accelerated clearance of the infection, but especially the DNA group, boosted with CAF01 adjuvanted CTH522 to achieve a balanced CD4/CD8 T cell response combined with an IgG response, showed accelerated clearance of the infection.

In the present work, we are assessing the geographical origin and cultivar-related changes on olive oil quality and composition in East Algeria. Fruits from the main local olive varieties (Sigoise and Chemlal) were harvested in autumn 2019 growing season from three different geographic areas: semiarid (Setif), arid (Batna), and Saharan (Eloued). Obtained results showed that Chemlal and Sigoise olive oils from Eloued area were the most enriched in tocopherols and phenolic contents, respectively. Sigoise olive oil from Batna area showed the highest values of pigments (carotenoids, chlorophylls). Identified fatty acids using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) indicated that Chemlal cultivar olive oil from Batna was the most enriched in saturated fatty acid. However, higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acid were recorded for olive from Eloued and Setif areas. Sigoise cultivar oil displayed higher contents of unsaturated fatty acid in Batna, but higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid from Eloued location. These outcomes highlighted an actual impact of geographical location on each cultivar olive oil chemical proprieties. According to these data and relative to the International Olive Council (IOC) standards, all the analyzed olive oils could be categorized as extra virgin olive oils. Overall, statistical analysis showed that physicochemical parameters were influenced by the cultivar, the region of collection, as well as the interactions between them.

Répondre aux besoins des jeunes en situation de vulnérabilité : la pertinence sociale de la collaboration intersectorielle La réponse aux besoins des jeunes en situation de vulnérabilité (Becquet, 2012 ; Gouvernement du Québec, 2015) est l’objet de préoccupations de multiples acteurs (politiques, institutionnels, associatifs, communautaires, etc.) à différents niveaux d’intervention (local, régional, national). Un consensus semble par ailleurs exister sur la nécessité d'une mise en réseau et ...

Background: In this paper we have developed an intelligent control law for the control of mobile manipulator robots by investigating the various techniques proposed in the literature. Thus, we have adopted a hybrid approach integrating part of classical and advanced automation in order to create an efficient control structure that can cope with a certain level of complexity. Our research logic is based on the process of keeping in mind that the control system must comply with the constraints imposed during the implementation of the control architecture. Objective: This paper aims to develop a control law in order to guarantee a certain level of performance and, more precisely, during a trajectory tracking application for mobile handling missions. The developed control law guarantees robustness with respect to external disturbances and parametric uncertainties due to the modelling of the system. Methods: In this paper, a study of the basic concepts of robotics and robot modelling is presented in order to set up the dynamic model used for the elaboration of the command. A sliding-mode controller based on a radial base function neural network with minimum parameter learning is developed for the Pelican robot as a two link robot manipulator. This approach, which combines a Radial Base Function Neuronal Network (RBFNN) and a Sliding Mode Control (SMC), is presented for the tracking control of this class of systems with unknown nonlinearities. The centres and outputs weights of the RBFNN are updated via online learning in accordance with the adaptive laws, allowing the control output of the neural network to approach the equivalent control in the sliding mode in the predetermined direction. The Lyapunov function is used to develop the adaptive control algorithm based on the RBFNN model. To reduce computational load and increase real-time arm performance, an RBFNN-based on the SMC with the Minimum Parameter Learning (MPL) method is designed. Results: Neural network sliding mode control is designed to underline the effectiveness of the approach to control the manipulator. This method of control ensure the tracking trajectories. Conclusion: The results of the simulation for the manipulator arm presented demonstrates the effectiveness of the modelling strategy, the correction and the robustness of the control approach.

Sequencing exomes/genomes have been successful for identifying recessive genes; however, discovery of dominant genes including deafness genes (DFNA) remains challenging. We report a new DFNA gene, ATP11A, in a Newfoundland family with a variable form of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Genome-wide SNP genotyping linked SNHL to DFNA33 (LOD = 4.77), a locus on 13q34 previously mapped in a German family with variable SNHL. Whole-genome sequencing identified 51 unremarkable positional variants on 13q34. Continuous clinical ascertainment identified several key recombination events and reduced the disease interval to 769 kb, excluding all but one variant. ATP11A (NC_000013.11: chr13:113534963G>A) is a novel variant predicted to be a cryptic donor splice site. RNA studies verified in silico predictions, revealing the retention of 153 bp of intron in the 3′ UTR of several ATP11A isoforms. Two unresolved families from Israel were subsequently identified with a similar, variable form of SNHL and a novel duplication (NM_032189.3:c.3322_3327+2dupGTCCAGGT) in exon 28 of ATP11A extended exon 28 by 8 bp, leading to a frameshift and premature stop codon (p.Asn1110Valfs43Ter). ATP11A is a type of P4-ATPase that transports (flip) phospholipids from the outer to inner leaflet of cell membranes to maintain asymmetry. Haploinsufficiency of ATP11A, the phospholipid flippase that specially transports phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), could leave cells with PS/PE at the extracellular side vulnerable to phagocytic degradation. Given that surface PS can be pharmaceutically targeted, hearing loss due to ATP11A could potentially be treated. It is also likely that ATP11A is the gene underlying DFNA33.

Epoxiconazole is among the most widely applied pesticides worldwide. The increased use of these products could cause toxic effects on human health which are mainly associated with its residues in food or occupational exposure in agriculture. The brain is the principal target of lipophilic compounds exposure, while the data of brain injury induced by Epoxiconazole remains unclear. The purpose of our investigation was to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the epoxiconazole in rat Pheochromocytoma (PC 12). We found that epoxiconazole could reduce the viability and proliferation of PC12 cells, induce the DNA damage, nuclear condensation, cytoskeleton network disruption and enhance the apoptotic cell death. Intracellular biochemical assay proved that EPX induces the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and activates caspase-3. Indeed, EPX instigated ROS generation in neuronal cells, which is accompanied by an increase of lipid peroxidation as confirmed by the high levels of MDA. Interestingly, Pre-treatment of PC12 cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine mitigated EPX-provoked DNA fragmentation and enhancement of apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that the genotoxic and cytotoxic outcomes of EPX are mediated through a ROS-dependent pathway in PC12 cells.

Coronaviruses are a type of frequent RNA virus. They are responsible for digestive and respiratory infections in animal and human genomes. A coronavirus renamed COVID-19 appeared and spread in the world which makes it declared in March 2020 a pandemic by the World Health Organization. SARS-CoV-2 genome, responsible for COVID-19 virus, has a size equal to 29,903 nucleotides, and its genetic makeup is composed of 11 functional open reading frames (ORFs). This paper proposes comparison algorithms to find SARS-Cov2 origin using digital genomic signatures. As a result, the five closest genomes related to SARS-CoV-2 are RaTG13, Pangolin-cov-PCoV_GX-P2V, Pangolin CoV MP789, bat-SL-CoVZC45 and bat-SL-CoVZXC21.

In this paper, we examine the existence and uniqueness of the solution of nonlinear integro-differential Fredholm equation with a weakly singular kernel. Then, we develop an iterative scheme to approach this solution using the product integration method. Finally, we conclude with a numerical tests to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

The histone variant H2AZ is overexpressed in diverse cancer types where it facilitates the accessibility of transcriptional regulators to the promoters of cell cycle genes. However, the molecular basis for its dysregulation in cancer remains unknown. Here, we report that glioblastomas (GBM) and glioma stem cells (GSCs) preferentially overexpress H2AZ for their proliferation, stemness and tumorigenicity. Chromatin accessibility analysis of H2AZ2 depleted GSC revealed that E2F1 occupies the enhancer region within H2AZ2 gene promoter, thereby activating H2AZ2 transcription. Exploration of other H2AZ2 transcriptional activators using a customized “anti-H2AZ2” query signature for connectivity map analysis identified STAT3. Co-targeting E2F and STAT3 synergistically reduced the levels of H2AZ, histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) and cell cycle gene transcription, indicating that E2F1 and STAT3 synergize to activate H2AZ gene transcription in GSCs. Remarkably, an E2F/STAT3 inhibitor combination durably suppresses GSC tumorigenicity in an orthotopic GBM xenograft model. In glioma patients, high STAT3 signaling is associated with high E2F1 and H2AZ2 expression. Thus, GBM has uniquely opted the use of E2F1- and STAT3-containing “enhanceosomes” that integrate multiple signaling pathways to achieve H2AZ gene activation, supporting a translational path for the E2F/STAT3 inhibitor combination to be applied in GBM treatment.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), possessing high thermal and chemical stability, non-toxicity, facile synthesis, and low band gap energy is a promising candidate for photocatalytic applications. In this study, bulk and exfoliated g-C3N4 were synthesised from different precursors (melamine and urea). Moreover, the surface of bulk g-C3N4 and exfoliated g-C3N4 was modified with graphene (0.5 wt% and 1 wt%) aiming to obtain a prolonged carrier lifetime. The effect of g-C3N4 synthesis from various precursors and the influence of graphene content on the photocatalytic activity during the degradation of a water–methanol mixture under UVC irradiation were examined, in comparison to commercial P25. Hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide were the decomposition products; hydrogen was the main product of decomposition, whereas CH4 and CO resulting from the reduction of CO2 were generated in a significantly smaller amount. All the produced photocatalysts, whether pure or modified with graphene, exhibited higher activity than the commercial photocatalyst P25., We would like to express our gratitude to the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for funding Wassila TOUATI's visit to the University of Aveiro, through the National Exceptional Scholarship Program (PNE). David Maria Tobaldi acknowledges the project EleGaNTe−PON ARS01_01007. R. A. gratefully acknowledges the support from the Spanish MICINN (PID2019-104739GB-100/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), the Government of Aragon (project DGA E13-20R) and European Union H2020 program “ESTEEM3” (823717). The TEM studies were conducted at the Laboratorio de Microscopias Avanzadas, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. Kamila Kočí thanks the EU structural funding in the Operational Programme Research, Development and Education, project No. CZ.02.1.0./0.0/0.0/17_049/0008419 “COOPERATION”, Large Research Infrastructure ENREGAT (project No. LM2018098).

The therapeutic virtues of honey no longer need to be proven.

The objective of the research is to build a tool for measuring the pedagogical competence of the university professor of the Algerian University, and this, by checking its crediblete and its applicability, the tool includes in its final form (45) criteria or questions which responds to the reliability and reliability of honesty and consistency, and covers (6) key areas which are cognitive competence and effectiveness Planning, competence of implementation competence in evaluation and monitoring, personal competence and relations with students (communication), competence and mastery of languages and media technologies. The model was applied to (786) students from Algerian physical and sports education institutes, for the 2016/2017 academic year, where the persistence coefficient (0.826). At the end of these results, we recommend that you use this tool to assess teaching competence.

We previously reported the safety and immunogenicity data from a randomized trial comparing the monovalent (MV) recombinant protein Beta-variant (MVB.1.351) and MV ancestral protein (MVD614) booster vaccines with AS03 adjuvant (Sanofi/GSK) to mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). First booster of the vaccines was administered in adult participants previously primed with 2 doses of BNT162b2. A subset of these participants with available blood samples collected at Day 0 (D0), at 28 days (D28), and 3 months (M3) post-booster were contacted for additional testing (195/208 participants). The persistence of cross-neutralizing antibodies, including against Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/5, up to 3 months after boosting was evaluated using a validated pseudovirus neutralization assay. The data showed that the MVB.1.351 vaccine induced higher and durable cross-neutralizing antibodies against Omicron subvariants up to 3 months after boosting compared to a MV ancestral and the mRNA BNT162b2 booster vaccine.

Highly efficient and safe Covid-19 vaccines are available in Europe in amounts that theoretically allow for a high immune coverage. However, a notable proportion of the population is reluctant toward immunization. We aimed to determine, among people who chose to be vaccinated, when they made the decision and whether they would have preferred an earlier vaccination. A survey was conducted in a high-volume Covid-19 vaccination center in France from 28 May to 9 July 2021 through an anonymous questionnaire. The 2519 participants (54.1% males; median age 39 years) attributed lower efficacy and safety to Covid-19 vaccines than to vaccines in general. When asked when they decided to receive the vaccine, 15.5% and 16.0% answered “less than one month ago” and “less than one week ago,” respectively; age

Bacillus anthracis and other environmentally persistent pathogens pose a significant threat to human and environmental health. If contamination is spread over a wide area (e.g. resulting from a bioterrorism or biowarfare incident), readily deployable and scalable sample collection methods will be necessary for rapidly developing and implementing effective remediation strategies. A recent surge in environmental (eDNA) sampling technologies could prove useful for quantifying the extent and levels of contamination from biological agents in environmental and drinking water. In this study, three commonly used membrane filtration materials (cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, and nylon) were evaluated for spore filtration efficiency, yielding recoveries from 17%–68% to 25%–117% for high and low titer samples, respectively, where cellulose nitrate filters generated the highest recoveries. A holding time test revealed no statistically significant differences between spore recoveries when analyzed at the specified timepoints, suggesting that eDNA filter sampling techniques can yield and maintain a relatively high recovery of spores for an extended period of time between filtration and analysis without a detrimental impact on spore recoveries. The results shown here indicate that emerging eDNA technologies could be leveraged for sampling following a wide-area contamination incident and for other microbiological water sampling applications.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the train/track induced loads on the substructure by modelling the wheel, at each instant, as a moving sinusoidal pulse applied in a very short period of time. This assumption has the advantage of being more realistic as it reduces the impact of time on the load definition. To that end, mass, stiffness, and dumping matrices of an elementary section of track will be determined. As a result, the equations of motion of a section of track subjected to a sinusoidal pulse and a rectangular pulse respectively is concluded. Two numerical methods of resolution of that equation, depending on the nature of the dumping matrix, will be presented. The computation results will be compared in order to conclude about the relevance of that load model. This approach is used in order to assess the nature and the value of the loads received by the substructure.

Purpose Non-profit community-based organizations (CO) remain insufficiently integrated into cancer networks. Drawing on dimensions of proximity, this study explores how and why coordination between cancer teams and COs is established and solidified. Methods A descriptive interpretive study is undertaken in Québec (Canada), where a cancer program has long promoted the integration of COs in the cancer trajectory. Semi-directed interviews with providers, managers and people living with and beyond cancer (total n = 46) explore the challenges of coordination between cancer and CO providers, along with facilitating or impeding factors. Three main themes related to coordination in cancer networks emerge, which are analyzed by operationalizing the multi-dimensional framework of proximity. Results Findings reveal a lack of cognitive proximity, which calls for efforts to both identify patient needs and increase cancer team knowledge and appreciation of CO resources. Organizational proximity refers to systems and rules that facilitate interactions, and we find that referral mechanisms and communication channels are inadequate, with patients often playing a linking role despite barriers. Coordination improves when relational proximity is established between cancer and CO teams, and this can be enhanced by geographic proximity; in one region, COs have a physical presence within the cancer center. Conclusion Integrating COs into the cancer network can help meet the spectrum of needs faced by people living with and beyond cancer. This study offers managers and decision-makers insight into how coordination between cancer teams and COs can be supported. Proximity allows the distinct contributions of actors to be considered in context and contributes to understanding the “how” of integrated practice.

Polyaniline (PANI)/Cu–ZnS composites with porous microspheres are prepared by a hydrothermal and in situ polymerization method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR, UV-vis, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope. The XRD results confirmed that the PANI/Cu–ZnS composite is formed. The morphological analyses exhibited that the PANI/Cu–ZnS composite comprises the porous microspherical structures. The emission peaks obtained in photoluminescence spectra confirm the presence of surface defects in the prepared composite. The UV-DRS study shows that the bandgap of the samples is found to decrease for the PANI/Cu–ZnS composite compared to the pure Cu–ZnS sample. The calculated band gap (Eg) value of PANI/Cu–ZnS composite is 2.47 eV. Furthermore, the fabricated gas sensor based on PANI/Cu–ZnS can perform at room temperature and exhibits good gas sensing performance toward CO2 gas. In particular, PANI/Cu–ZnS sensor shows good response (31 s) and recovery time (23 s) upon exposure to CO2 gas. The p/n heterojunction, surface defects, and porous nature of the PANI/Cu–ZnS composite microsphere enhanced sensor performance. Other information Published in: RSC Advances License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0 See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d0ra04991c

We report on a search for a new, short-range, spin-dependent interaction using a modified version of the experimental apparatus used to measure the permanent neutron electric dipole moment at the Paul Scherrer Institute. This interaction, which could be mediated by axion-like particles, concerned the unpolarized nucleons (protons and neutrons) near the material surfaces of the apparatus and polarized ultracold neutrons stored in vacuum. The dominant systematic uncertainty resulting from magnetic-field gradients was controlled to an unprecedented level of approximately 4 pT/cm using an array of optically-pumped cesium vapor magnetometers and magnetic-field maps independently recorded using a dedicated measurement device. No signature of a theoretically predicted new interaction was found, and we set a new limit on the product of the scalar and the pseudoscalar couplings $g_sg_p\lambda^2 < 8.3 \times 10^{-28}\,\text{m}^2$ (95% C.L.) in a range of $5\,\mu\text{m} < \lambda < 25\,\text{mm}$ for the monopole-dipole interaction. This new result confirms and improves our previous limit by a factor of 2.7 and provides the current tightest limit obtained with free neutrons.