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Ketosis is currently regarded as a major metabolic disorder of dairy cows, reflective of the animal's efforts to adapt to energy deficit while transitioning into lactation. Currently viewed as a pathology by some, ketosis is associatively implicated in milk production losses and peripartal health complications that increase the risk of early removal of cows from the herd, thus carrying economic losses for dairy farmers and jeopardizing the sustainability of the dairy industry. Despite decades of intense research in the mitigation of ketosis and its sequelae, our ability to lessen its purported effects remains limited. Moreover, the association of ketosis to reduced milk production and peripartal disease is often erratic and likely mired by concurrent potential confounders. In this review, we discuss the potential reasons for these apparent paradoxes in the light of currently available evidence, with a focus on the limitations of observational research and the necessary steps to unambiguously identify the effects of ketosis on cow health and performance via controlled randomized experimentation. A nuanced perspective is proposed that considers the dissociation of ketosis—as a disease—from healthy hyperketonemia. Furthermore, in consideration of a growing body of evidence that highlights positive roles of ketones in the mitigation of metabolic dysfunction and chronic diseases, we consider the hypothetical functions of ketones as health-promoting metabolites and ponder on their potential usefulness to enhance dairy cow health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the agreement between noninvasive arterial blood pressure (NIBP) measured from the tongue and thoracic limb with invasive blood pressure (IBP), and to compare NIBP measured from the tongue and thoracic limb in anaesthetized horses. Prospective clinical study. A group of eight client-owned healthy horses anaesthetized for scheduled procedures, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I–II, weighing (mean ± standard deviation) 498 ± 91 kg and aged 7.8 ± 6.75 years. Animals were premedicated with intravenous (IV) romifidine (0.04–0.08 mg kg–1) and methadone (0.1 mg kg–1). General anaesthesia was induced IV with ketamine (2.5 mg kg–1) and midazolam (0.05 mg kg–1) and maintained with isoflurane. The facial artery was catheterized for IBP measurements. Systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures were recorded from the NIBP tongue , NIBP limb and IBP every 20 minutes during the procedure. Agreement between NIBP and IBP was evaluated based on the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine criteria and American Association for Medical Instrumentation criteria using the Bland–Altman method. The mean bias and precision between IBP and NIBP measured from the tongue met the standards for all pressure ranges (< 10 mmHg and < 15 mmHg, respectively). NIBP measurements from the tongue and thoracic limb tended to underestimate IBP measurements. During hypotension, MAP tongue and DAP tongue overestimated IBP, but both precision and accuracy met the criteria. The overall accuracy and precision of NIBP limb was poorer than NIBP tongue. The percentage of NIBP tongue that differed from IBP by < 10 mmHg was higher than that recorded with NIBP limb for SAP (46% versus 25%), MAP (77% versus 28%) and DAP (79% versus 19%). The tongue is a clinically suitable alternative for assessing arterial blood pressure compared with the thoracic limb and can reliably detect hypotension in healthy anaesthetized horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research has yielded conflicting results about the potential influence of antipsychotics in patients with COVID-19. In this multicenter retrospective study, we examined the association of antipsychotic use at admission with 28-day all-cause mortality in a sample of 59,021 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from January 2020 to November 2021. In a 1:1 ratio matched analytic sample (N=1,454) accounting for age, sex, hospital, hospitalization period, the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, other psychotropic medications, medications prescribed according to compassionate use or as part of a clinical trial, current diagnoses of psychiatric disorders, and clinical and biological markers of COVID-19 severity, antipsychotic use was not associated with 28-day mortality [23.5% (N=727) versus 18.6% (N=727); OR=1.16; 95%CI=0.89-1.51; p=0.280]. This association remained non-significant in exploratory analyses across all classes of antipsychotics and individual molecules, except for typical antipsychotics and loxapine, which were significantly linked to increased 28-day mortality, associations likely due to residual indication bias. Contrariwise, antipsychotics prescribed at daily doses higher than 200 mg of chlorpromazine-equivalents might be associated with reduced 28-day mortality when compared to patients not taking antipsychotics in the matched analytic sample [10.4% (N=154) versus 18.6% (N=727); AOR=0.56; 95%CI=0.31-0.96; p=0.040]. These results suggest that antipsychotic use, when prescribed at usual doses, are not be associated with 28-day mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a fundamental challenge to understand how the function of a network is related to its structural organization. Adaptive dynamical networks represent a broad class of systems that can change their connectivity over time depending on their dynamical state. The most important feature of such systems is that their function depends on their structure and vice versa. While the properties of static networks have been extensively investigated in the past, the study of adaptive networks is much more challenging. Moreover, adaptive dynamical networks are of tremendous importance for various application fields, in particular, for the models for neuronal synaptic plasticity, adaptive networks in chemical, epidemic, biological, transport, and social systems, to name a few. In this review, we provide a detailed description of adaptive dynamical networks, show their applications in various areas of research, highlight their dynamical features and describe the arising dynamical phenomena, and give an overview of the available mathematical methods developed for understanding adaptive dynamical networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of a multi-input/single-output system enables the creation of a mathematical model that as accurately as possible represents the input-output relation induced by a physical system. When there is little information about the physical laws related to the system or when the system is too complex, methods such as parametric identification are used to define the system model. In that case, preliminary assumptions can be made about the system leading to a parametric aggregation function based model. This parametric model may be learned by estimating the parameters of this aggregation function from a representative set of inputs/outputs. A major difficulty is to design a model that is relatively simple yet precise enough to meet the user's needs. Linear models are commonly used because they meet these two contradictory constraints. However, use of a linear model is often at the expense of the accuracy of input-output relationship description. In a recent paper, a new modeling approach was proposed, under the name of macsum modeling [31] , which aims at replacing the linear model concept by a set of linear models. The obtained aggregation function leads to an interval-valued output. This represents the lack of accuracy of the model to predict the system output when the inputs are known. An interesting feature of this model is that it is ruled by a single precise parametric vector whereas the output is imprecise. Moreover, the vector dimension is equal to that of the input space. In this paper, we propose a method to learn such a model so that it best reflects the input-output relationship of the considered system. This method is based, as in the case of linear modeling, on a regression method. This is particularly new approach because the macsum aggregation is based on a Choquet integral and very few authors have proposed learning of an aggregation function based on the Choquet integral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imbalances in the amounts of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) generated by the membrane proteases β- and γ-secretase are considered as a trigger of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cell-free studies of γ-secretase have shown that increasing membrane thickness modulates Aβ generation but it has remained unclear if these effects are translatable to cells. Here we show that the very long-chain fatty acid erucic acid (EA) triggers acyl chain remodeling in AD cell models, resulting in substantial lipidome alterations which included increased esterification of EA in membrane lipids. Membrane remodeling enhanced γ-secretase processivity, resulting in the increased production of the potentially beneficial Aβ37 and/or Aβ38 species in multiple cell lines. Unexpectedly, we found that the membrane remodeling stimulated total Aβ secretion by cells expressing WT γ-secretase but lowered it for cells expressing an aggressive familial AD mutant γ-secretase. We conclude that EA-mediated modulation of membrane composition is accompanied by complex lipid homeostatic changes that can impact amyloidogenic processing in different ways and elicit distinct γ-secretase responses, providing critical implications for lipid-based AD treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a Bacillus -based direct-fed microbial on performance of mid-lactating Holstein dairy cows and on their milk fatty acid composition. Six multiparous cows fitted with a rumen cannula were used in a randomized replicated crossover design. Cows received 200 g/d of either whey powder as a control or BioPlus 2B (Chr. Hansen), a commercial direct-fed microbial providing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis , representing a daily dose of 6.4 × 1011 cfu, and using whey powder as a carrier. The 2 experimental periods lasted 14 d and were separated by a 7-d washout interval. Samples were collected on d 0, 13, and 14 of each period. Data from d 0 were used as covariate. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and tendency at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. There was a 10-fold increase in the relative concentration of bacteria from the Bacillus subtilis group in the rumen when feeding direct-fed Bacillus compared with control. Treatment did not affect ruminal pH, NH 3 -N, or concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. However, direct-fed Bacillus increased ruminal concentrations of isovalerate and isobutyrate (tendency). Treatments did not affect lactation performance. Supplying direct-fed Bacillus enhanced milk relative concentration of anteiso 13:0 by 27.3% and of anteiso 15:0 by 6.5% and tended to increase concentrations of iso 14:0 (+41.8%) relative to control. When expressed on a yield basis, direct-fed Bacillus increased the secretion of anteiso 13:0 and decreased that of 11:0, 15:0, 17:0 (tendency), and cis -9 17:1. These variations, although limited in magnitude, indicate that milk branched-chain fatty acid composition is sensitive to ruminal microbiota modifications without changes in chemical composition of the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes two optimization models for the optimal management (generation, conversion and distribution) of electricity in a macroscopic system divided into geographical regions; the resulting model is applied to the national system for the distribution of electricity in Mexico. The formulations are based on the concept of an energy hub. The first model is a linear programming model which represents the operation of the system during one hour. It provides the optimal decisions to satisfy demands at minimum cost. Such a basic model is then extended into a mixed-integer linear multiperiod model (MILP) which is applied to a 24-hour scenario. Further, the MILP multiperiod model also considers the interactions among transmission regions existing in each of the geographical regions. In particular, this last model considers the regions of the National Transmission Network in Mexico as well as the available storage and the electricity generation facilities owned by the private sector. The MILP model consists of 21,773 constraints; its optimal results suggest that power plants operating with combined cycle contribute with 50 % of the power generation; hydroelectric power plants contribute with approximately 18 %. The current practical goal of 30 % of renewable energy generation can be achieved through the installed capacity. [Display omitted] • Macroscopic systems for the management of electricity are modeled as energy hubs. • Two mathematical programs determine the optimal decision involved in the system. • Decisions include selection of technology, fuels required and electricity produced. • Models are validated and tested with real data by using Mexico as the case study. • Results are in agreement with the practical operation of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main aim of this review is to report the effect of different types of in-shoe and barefoot wedges on the distribution of the plantar loading of the human foot. We hypothesise that frontal plane wedges modify this parameter.Methods: A systematic review was performed, using the PubMed, CINAHL, Prospero and Scopus databases, consulted from their date of first publication to May 2020. Only observational (cross-over studies), randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies addressing the effects of in-shoe and barefoot frontal plane wedges on plantar loading were included. All articles were subjected to quality assessment, using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the observational (cross-over) studies, TREND for quasi-experimental studies and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for the RCTs.Results: Eleven papers were included in the final review. Four were cross-over studies, other four were quasi-experimental studies and three were RCTs. These eleven studies included 320 patients, with ages ranging from 20 to 60 years. Regarding the risk of bias, most of the observational studies and RCTs had a moderate level of quality.Conclusions: The results suggest that lateral wedges are more effective, producing a lateral shift of the centre of pressure and increasing the pressure. Regarding the impact on the peak impact force there seems to be less consensus among the published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sheds light on the Hydrogen technology in transportation for reaching the sustainability goals of societies, illustrated by the case of Mexico. In terms of the affected supply chains the study explores how the packaging and distribution of a fuel-saving tool that allows the adoption of hydrogen as complementary energy for maritime transportation to improve economic and environmental performance in Mexico. This exploratory study performs interviews, observations, simulations, and tests involving producers, suppliers, and users at 26 ports in Mexico. The study shows that environmental and economic performance are related to key processes in Supply Chain Management (SCM) in which packaging and distribution are critical for achieving logistics and transportation sustainability goals. Reusable packaging and the distribution of a fuel-saving tool can help decrease costs -, of transport, and downstream/upstream processes in SCM while at the same time increasing the environmental performance. • Hydrogen represents efficient sustainable energy for the transport sector in Mexico. • A fuel-saving system Oxhidrog™ stands as a cost-effective sustainable choice. • Packaging for distribution of fuel-saving system Oxhidrog™ is sustainable for maritime transportation. • The case of Mexico was relevant for developing an understanding of a wider Supply Chain. • Theoretical contributions for Supply Chain and Sustainability have been created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic HBV is clinically categorized into 4 phases by a combination of serum HBV DNA levels, HBeAg status and alanine aminotransferase (ALT): immunotolerant (IT), immune-active (IA), inactive carrier (IC) and HBeAg-negative hepatitis (ENEG). Immune and virological measurements in the blood have proven useful but are insufficient to explain the interrelation between the immune system and the virus since immune dynamics differ in the blood and liver. Furthermore, the inflammatory response in the liver and parenchymal cells cannot be fully captured in blood. Immunological composition and transcriptional profiles of core needle liver-biopsies in chronic HBV phases were compared to those of healthy controls by multiplex immunofluorescence and RNA-sequencing (n = 37 and 78, respectively) analyses. Irrespective of the phase-specific serological profiles, increased immune-gene expression and frequency was observed in chronic HBV compared to healthy livers. Greater transcriptomic deregulation was seen in IA and ENEG (172 vs. 243 DEGs) than in IT and IC (13 vs. 35 DEGs) livers. Interferon-stimulated genes, immune-activation and exhaustion genes (ICOS , CTLA4 , PDCD1) together with chemokine genes (CXCL10 , CXCL9) were significantly induced in IA and ENEG livers. Moreover, distinct immune profiles associated with ALT elevation and a more accentuated immune-exhaustion profile (CTLA4 , TOX , SLAMF6 , FOXP3) were observed in ENEG, which set it apart from the IA phase (LGALS9 , PDCD1). Interestingly, all HBV phases showed downregulation of metabolic pathways vs. healthy livers (fatty and bile acid metabolism). Finally, increased leukocyte infiltrate correlated with serum ALT, but not with HBV DNA or viral proteins. Our comprehensive multi-parametric analysis of human livers revealed distinct inflammatory profiles and pronounced differences in intrahepatic gene profiles across all chronic HBV phases in comparison to healthy liver. Immunological studies on chronic HBV remain largely restricted to assessment of peripheral responses due to the limited access to the site of infection, the liver. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed livers from a well-defined cohort of patients with chronic HBV and uninfected controls with state-of-the-art techniques, and evaluated the differences in gene expression profiles and inflammation characteristics across distinct disease phases in patients with chronic HBV. [Display omitted] • RNA-Seq and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) was performed on liver biopsies to characterize the HBV clinical phases. • Chronic HBV livers were characterized by higher immune-gene expression and leukocyte infiltrate than healthy livers. • ALT determined immune gene expression profiles in livers of IA and ENEG patients. • Immune-exhaustion profiles were observed in livers of IA and ENEG patients. • Leukocyte infiltrate correlated with serum ALT, but not with HBV DNA or intrahepatic HBcAg and HBsAg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anaerobic digestion and fermentation preserved C, N, and P better than composting. • Under reducing conditions, more C and N can become accessible for soil microbes. • Soil organic amendment quality can be increased with an appropriate treatment. • Anaerobic digestion offers more diversity of products for soil improvement. • Digestate had a higher content of C and NPK than compost and the initial substrate. Organic amendments (OAs) produced via composting, anaerobic digestion, or lactic acid fermentation, can be used to replenish soil carbon. Not all OAs production technologies preserve C and nutrients in the same way. In this study, we compared the influence of these technologies (i.e., treatments) on C and nutrient preservation and OAs chemical composition after production. We produced compost, digestate, and lactic-acid fermentation product using the same biowaste-resembling model substrate using three reactors under laboratory conditions. We compared the chemical conversions and end-products using mass balances over C, N, and P. Overall results show that losses are minimal under reducing production conditions. Fermentation and digestion conserved 99% and 64% of C; and 93% and 100% of N, respectively. While compost conservation of nutrients was limited to 25% of C and 38% of N. Digestate had the highest concentrations of C, N, and P in the water-soluble phase, enabling their accessibility for soil microbes. Concentrations in the fermentation product were one order of magnitude lower but still higher than in compost. The treatments also influence the final availability of C, N, and P, which could potentially improve the fertilising and soil-improving properties of produced OAs. Our results show that under reducing conditions, losses of C, N, and P can be decreased while increasing OAs applications in terms of sources for soil-microbial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American Bullfrogs, Aquarana catesbeiana, are invasive anuran species distributed worldwide. One of the adverse impacts that this species causes in native communities is as a reservoir host for pathogens and parasites. Here, we report the coinfection of two pathogenic organisms in A. catesbeiana : Ranavirus and the nematode Eustrongylides. Bullfrogs were collected in the wild in a pond close to the urban area of São Paulo, Brazil. The prevalence of both pathogens was high: 77% were infected with ranavirus with a mean viral load of 1010.3 viral copies, and 100% of the bullfrogs were infected by Eustrongylides sp. with a mean intensity of infection of 13.4 specimens per host. Four host specimens (31%) presented pathological signs that seemed to be related to the Eustrongylides sp. infection, such as internal organs adhered to each other due to high intensity and large size of the nematodes, ulcers, and raw flesh wounds caused by the nematode. The pathogenic and concomitant infections have potential zoonotic implications and raise concerns about human infection risks for Eustrongylides infection. Moreover, such infections may represent an additional level of threat to native communities through the potential shifts in patterns of parasite and pathogen transmission. Future research involving the native anuran community is essential to ascertain whether invasive bullfrogs are attenuating or exacerbating diseases such as ranavirosis and eustrongylidiosis. [Display omitted] • Invasive American Bullfrogs in Brazil are infected with ranavirus and Eustrongylides sp. • Prevalence and intensity of infection are high. • Coinfections led to severe pathologic manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects of early stress and non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) intake are unknown. • Early-stressed rats had high blood glucose levels during NNS consumption. • Early maternal separation stress increased anxiety and locomotion in female rats. • NNS consumption reduced anxiety in maternally separated female but not male rats. • Stevia and sucralose seem had an anxiolytic-like effect in early stressed females. Early-life stress and subsequent high-calorie diets during adolescence are known to be risk factors for developing metabolic and psychological disorders. Although non-nutritive sweeteners such as stevia and sucralose have been a useful alternative to reduce sugar consumption, the effects of prolonged consumption of these sweeteners on metabolism and behavior in adolescents remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of early-stress followed by access to stevia or sucralose during adolescence on weight gain, glycemia, and anxiety-related behaviors in male and female rats. During postnatal days (PNDs) 1–21, pups were separated twice a day, for 180 min each time, from their dam nest while non-separated pups served as controls. The pups were weaned, separated by sex and randomly distributed into the stevia, sucralose and water conditions. During PNDs 26–50, two bottles containing water and stevia or sucralose were placed in the animal home-cages, and body weight and blood glucose measures were scored. On PNDs 50 and 51, behavioral measures were obtained in the open-field test. Results showed that male rats consuming stevia reduced body weight gain, blood glucose and increased locomotion. Early-stress led to low blood glucose and alterations in anxiety and locomotion-related behaviors in a sex-dependent manner. Moreover, sucralose access during adolescence reversed the effects of early-stress on anxiety-related behaviors in female rats. The results suggest that the consumption of stevia and sucralose could be an alternative for the replacement of sugar-sweetened beverages, especially in adolescents who have had adverse early-life experiences. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to analyze the effectiveness of a training program for K-12 teachers in improving their perceptions of flourishing, job satisfaction, work as meaning, and efficacy, as well as their students' academic performance. The study involved 147 K-12 teachers and 3544 students. A 'quasi-experimental' pretest-posttest with a control group design was adopted. The results showed significant improvements in students' academic performance and in all teacher variables in the experimental group. Targeting interventions towards K-12 educators has immense potential to profoundly influence students' academic growth by increasing their interest and competence in STEM disciplines. • The program empowers teachers to manage change and enhance their competencies according to their unique needs. • The program emphasizes project-based learning, real-life problem-solving, and interdisciplinary concepts. • Nurturing emotional and teaching efficacy competencies is crucial for effective teaching in STEM fields. • Teachers improved job satisfaction, teaching efficacy, and enjoyment in their profession. • Trained teachers contributed to enhanced students' academic achievement and STEM competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ammonium salt-based Deep Eutectic Solvents are good extractants for textile dyes. • Characteristic functional groups in dyes can be targeted to enhance extraction. • The reuse of the cleaned water and of the extracted dye is possible. • Simulated effluents composed by industrial dyes are treated. Recovery of dyes present in liquid solutions was achieved with efficiencies higher than 99 %, using deep eutectic solvents composed of tetrabutylammonium chloride and decanoic acid. The method produces a totally decolorized water. Both the reuse of the clean water and of the extracted dye is plausible via this treatment, as the colorant can be recovered from the organic phase after the liquid–liquid extraction. The solvent is physically and chemically characterized, in a wide arrange of temperatures, and its behavior in liquid–liquid equilibria with water was also studied. The process works for a broad range of dye concentrations, and with a very low consumption of solvent (optimized volumetric ratio between organic and aqueous phases was 1/16). Optimized processing times set the duration of the treatment at 20 min, including the recovery of the dye from the extracted phase. The capabilities of the solvent were tested against synthetic effluents composed by industrial dyes and auxiliary agents that typically appear on dyeing processes, maintaining efficiencies above 99 %. The deep eutectic solvents also work equally well for extracting mixtures of dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When an alleged victim has a pre-existing psychopathological diagnosis, this can affect the rating of their version of the abuse in terms of credibility. The objective of this work is to analyze the relationship between the assessment of the credibility of the testimony of a CSA victim, the psychological problems that the child may have presented prior to sexual abuse and the possible psychological sequelae that she may present as a result of the abuse. 109 cases were selected in which the credibility of the testimony could be determined. Through forensic interviews and the study of the corresponding professional reports, the following were obtained: sociodemographic data, data on their previous psychological state and data on their psychological state after the reported events. The psychological state of the child after the reported events shows no relation to the forensic evaluation of the credibility of her testimony. The existence of a relationship between the absence of previous psychopathology and the fact that the victim's testimony is valued as a credible account is confirmed. This study reveals that children who presented psychological manifestations prior to their experience of abuse receive a lower credibility rating than those without previous psychopathological symptoms or diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermo-mechanical recycling and reshaping of dynamic covalent networks is a promising field under development that could help to increase thermoset sustainability. Herein, the reprocessing of a partially reversible epoxy resin with a 0.6 Diels-Alder crosslink ratio, which has a relatively high T g and a simplified manufacturing route, is studied to determine the optimal conditions for its thermomechanical recycling through milling and hot-pressing, and reshaping. Thus, in this work, we have studied the influence of compaction time, pressure, and temperature on recycled bulk properties. Meanwhile, different heating temperatures and times are also tested to evaluate the cured resin shaping to fix a new geometry and to observe its shape-recovering capability. Their characterization reveals that the recycling method generates dense thermosetting polymers with similar crosslinking structure and behavior, comparable to the virgin resin, inducing light post-curing that increases their glass transition temperature (T g). The most efficient thermo-mechanical recycling conditions consist of the application of isothermal compaction at 130 °C and 150 bar for 30 min, which leads to resin bulks with comparable properties to the neat resin even after 3 cycles of milling and hot-pressing. On the other hand, the synthesized resin has shown excellent shaping due to the structural relaxation induced by the initiation of retro Diels-Alder reaction, adopting new geometries easily when the samples are heated above their T g (91 °C) and preserving them after cooling to ambient temperature. Moreover, the samples also show high shape-recovering after heating again up to T g. This reshaping and recovery have been maintained for several cycles without observing an irreversible lack of shape fixing or shape recovery. • Thermo-mechanical recycling for a 0.6 Diels-Alder (D-A) ratio resin is optimized. • 0.6 D-A resin is milled and pressed (130 °C, 150 bar) up to 3 times successfully. • Resin structure and basic properties are preserved after recycling. • Retro D-A reaction boosts thermoset relaxation, thermoforming, and shape memory. • The resin shows full thermoformability and shape recovery multiple times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Goals: One of the biggest difficulties facing healthcare systems today is the prevalence of multiple chronic diseases (MCC). Mortality and the development of new chronic illnesses are more likely in those with MCC. Pre-existing diseases and risk factors specific to the patient have an impact on the complex stochastic process that guides the evolution of MCC. This study's goal is to use a brand-new Graph Neural Network (GNN) model to examine the connections between specific chronic illnesses, patient-level risk factors, and pre-existing conditions. Methods: We propose a graph neural network model to analyze the relationship between five chronic conditions (diabetes, obesity, cognitive impairment, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension). The proposed model adds a graph Laplacian regularization term to the loss function, which aims to improve the parameter learning process and accuracy of the GNN based on the graph structure. For validation, we used historical data from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC). Results: Evaluating the Laplacian regularized GNN on data from 600 patients, we expanded our analysis from two chronic conditions to five chronic conditions. The proposed model consistently surpassed a baseline GNN model, achieving an average accuracy of ≥89% across all combinations. In contrast, the performance of the standard model declined more markedly with the addition of more chronic conditions. The Laplacian regularization provided consistent predictions for adjacent nodes, beneficial in cases with shared attributes among nodes. Conclusions: The incorporation of Laplacian regularization in our GNN model is essential, resulting in enhanced node categorization and better predictive performance by harnessing the graph structure. This study underscores the significance of considering graph structure when designing neural networks for graph data. Future research might further explore and refine this regularization method for various tasks using graph-structured data. • Utilizing Laplacian regularized graph neural network to predict multiple chronic conditions using EHR data. • Enhancing parameter learning by harnessing the multiple chronic conditions network structure. • Proven efficacy of Laplacian regularization in graph neural networks for improved predictive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, composite hydrogels of nanofibrilated cellulose (CNF) and alginate were prepared through direct addition of alginate in powder to a CNF hydrogel. Alginate was hydrophobically modified with C8 alkyl chains (HMAlg), and the effect of chemical modification on the rheological properties and printability of the resulting composite gels was evaluated. The rheological characterization of the composite hydrogels indicated that the addition of alginate, non-modified and HMAlg, did not influence the zero-shear rate viscosity or the mechanical properties of the pristine CNF hydrogels. Printability tests showed that the incorporation of alginate, especially HMAlg, hindered the manufacture of well-defined 3D polymeric structures through 3D extrusion printing. This effect was much more pronounced with the incorporation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) into the gels, which was ascribed to the presence of interactions between the polymer matrix and the BSA. Finally, experiments of BSA release were run with 3D-printed samples, showing that controlled release could be achieved from CNFs gels. [Display omitted] • Alginate modified with C8 alkyl groups and nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) formed composite hydrogels. • Rheological properties and printability of CNF composite gels were compared. • The interactions alginate-protein played a critical role in their 3D extrusion printability. • 3D printed CNF scaffolds showed a controlled release of a model protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk characterization of microplastics (MP) in soil is challenging due to the non-alignment of existing exposure and effect data. Therefore, we applied data alignment methods to assess the risks of MP in soils subject to different sources of MP pollution. Our findings reveal variations in MP characteristics among sources, emphasizing the need for source-specific alignments. To assess the reliability of the data, we applied Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) screening tools. Risk assessment was carried out probabilistically, considering uncertainties in data alignments and effect thresholds. The Hazardous Concentrations for 5% (HC5) of the species were significantly higher compared to earlier studies and ranged between 4.0 × 107 and 2.3 × 108 particles (1–5000 µm)/kg of dry soil for different MP sources and ecologically relevant metrics. The highest risk was calculated for soils with MP entering via diffuse and unspecified local sources, i.e., "background pollution". However, the source with the highest proportion of high-risk values was sewage, followed by background pollution and mulching. Notably, locations exceeding the risk threshold obtained low scores in the QA/QC assessment. No risks were observed for soils with compost. To improve future risk assessments, we advise to primarily test environmentally relevant MP mixtures and adhere to strict quality criteria. [Display omitted] • First fully aligned ecological risk assessment for microplastics (MP) in soils. • Alignment of exposure and effect data for particle properties and bioaccessibility. • Risks assessed probabilistically, accounting for uncertainties in data alignments. • Quality criteria tools used to evaluate reliability of exposure and effect data. • Risks found for soils with mulching or sewage use, and with background MP pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, high molecular weight fluorinated aromatic polyimides were assessed for the first time to recover difluoromethane (R-32) from its blends with other hydrofluorocarbons and hydrofluoroolefins (R-134a: 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, R-125: pentafluoroethane, and R-1234yf: 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene). First, a screening was performed with thick flat membranes made of the 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and three different amines: 2,2′-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane (6FpDA), 2,4,6-trimethyl-m-phenylenediamine (TMPD), and 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,3-phenyldiamine (durene). As a result, 6FDA-TMPD was selected for the fabrication of defect-free hollow fiber-thin film composite membranes (HF-TFCM) due to its superior performance for the separation of R-32. These HF-TFCMs showed excellent separation performance to reclaim high-purity R-32 (permeate concentration >99 vol%) from the commercial binary blends R-410A and R-454B (a mixture of R-32 and R-1234yf). In addition, we report for the first time the membrane recovery of R-32 from the ternary blend R-407C (R-32/R-134a/R-125 38.2:43.8:18 vol%). Eventually, the separation of CO 2 from synthetic gas mixtures of CO 2 /CH 4 (50:50 vol%) and CO 2 /N 2 (15:85 vol%) was performed for benchmarking, showing that the prepared HF-TFCM kept the separation performance of the 6FDA-TMPD thick membranes. [Display omitted] • Screening of 6FDA-based PIs for the separation of close-boiling hydrofluorocarbons. • Defect-free 6FDA-TMPD-based HF-TFCMs were successfully prepared via dip coating. • Great potential of 6FDA-TMPD for the recovery of R-32 from refrigerant blends. • 6FDA-TMPD HF-TFCMs concentrated CO 2 up to 81% from 15%/85% CO 2 /N 2 mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a transversal (TV) ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block technique over the transverse process of T12. And evaluates the distribution of the dye and affected nerves branches compared to a longitudinal (LNG) approach over the transverse process of T12 in canine cadavers. Secondly, it also compares de anatomy and dimensions of the transverse processes of T12 with T9 and T5. For this double-masked, cadaveric experimental study, 12 adult Beagle cadavers were injected with 0.6 mL/kg of dye/contrast. Spread was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and dissection. Mean bodyweight was 9.76 (±0.59) kg. The TV and LNG approaches stained a median (range) of four (2–6) and three (1–6) medial branches of the dorsal rami of the spinal nerves, three (2–6) and three (2–5) lateral branches, and one (0−3) and one (0−4) ventral branches, respectively. Dye was detected in the epidural space in 55.6% and 66.7% of cases for the TV and LNG approaches, respectively (P =0.63). And in the ventral paravertebral compartment in 22.2% and lymphatics in 88.8% in both approaches. There were no statistical differences for the spread. The dorsolateral edge of the transverse process (TP) was not visible with CT at T12. The mean (±SD) length of the TP was significantly shorter at T12 [3.34 (±0.22)] mm, compared to T9 [6.08 (±0.47)] mm and T5 [5.93 (±0.62)] mm (P <0.001). This study showed similar distribution whether using a TV or LNG approach and differences in the anatomy and length of the T12 TP. • The transversal (TV) and longitudinal (LNG) approaches had similar spread. • The TV approach had more ultrasound landmarks than the LNG approach. • TV and LNG groups had paravertebral, epidural, lymphatic, and sympathetic spread. • The transverse process at T12 is smaller and of different shape than in T9 and T5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the single-platform flow cytometric CD34+ cell counting method is the preferred choice to predict the yield of mobilized peripheral blood stem cells, most flow cytometers lack the ability of hematology counter analyzers to perform volumetric counting. However, one of the problems using reference microbeads is the vanishing counting bead phenomenon. This phenomenon results in a drop in microbeads concentration and reduces the total and relative number of beads in calibration procedures. In the last years, flow cytometers including a volumetric system to quantify cells have been developed and may represent a promising alternative to enumerate CD34+ cells avoiding the use of beads. In this study we have used a direct true volumetric counting of CD34+ cells under continuous flow pump to overcome potential drawbacks with impact in rare cell analysis. To confirm this hypothesis, we have compared the results of CD34+ cell enumeration using non-volumetric vs. volumetric systems with FC500 (Beckman Coulter) and Attune NxT (ThermoFisher) flow cytometers, respectively, in mobilized peripheral blood samples. No statistically significant differences were observed between measurements of CD34+ cells using beads, when the FC500 and Attune NxT absolute counting values were compared, or when CD34+ counts were compared on the Attune NxT, either using or not using beads. Linear regressions to study the relationship between volumetric and non-volumetric CD34+ counts confirmed the accuracy of each method. Bland-Altman test showed agreement between both methods. Our data showed that CD34+ cell enumeration using a volumetric system is comparable with current counting systems. This method represents an alternative with the advantage of the simplification of sample preparation and the reduction of the analysis subjectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of institutional mechanisms to facilitate collaborative activities between operators, and consumer preferences for these activities, have not been studied in the public transport context. Exploring preferences in both intracity and intercity transport options (incorporating long distance transport components such as air services), we use random parameters logit models to analyse integrated travel choice experiments. We show that consumers have preferences for attributes resulting from operator collaboration that can deliver them better door-to-door travel options across the whole transport ecosystem, both in their own city but just as importantly, when travelling to another city. Our results suggest that the proposed method of institutional integration (MaaS 2.0 or CaaS) creates better value for respondents, such that they would be more likely to engage with integrated transport solutions rather than the default option for many, which is the car. Consumers are willing to pay for collaboration activities that inherently arise out of institutionally facilitated interaction between operators and that lead to improvements in their journey. Expansion of institutional integration such as that which may be possible through smart ticketing platforms as an institutional coordination mechanism may facilitate greater development of these features and lead to more integrated travel being chosen by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fouling is an undesirable phenomenon in milk evaporation, which affects the cost of production and the quality of the product. This phenomenon can be reduced by using different approaches, where process control is a feasible alternative. There are a large number of proposals for the control of a multi-effect falling-film evaporator (MEFFE), but the effect of process control on fouling has been omitted. In this work, a PID control strategy for MEFFE is developed under a dynamic model with computing of fouling and falling-film thickness. The strategy proposes several control configurations, from which the best option is selected by considering control stability, low fouling thickness and low demand of motive steam. The control strategy was applied to two case studies; the results were validated with experimental data and compared with other control techniques. The results show that this strategy is suitable for MEFFE, and guarantees the quality of the concentrated product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The electrodissolution mechanism of Au was studied in chloride containing solution. • SECM allows the detection of different gold complexes. • SECM in transient mode shows the role of adsorbates on the Au dissolution. • A comprehensive mechanism for gold electrodissolution is proposed. The electrodissolution of gold has already been widely studied by several methods, but no consensus concerning the reaction mechanism has been reached. In this work, the scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has been used in transient condition for studying the electrodissolution of gold in H 2 SO 4 solutions, with different concentration of chloride added, in order to elucidate the elementary steps of this mechanism. The electroactive species generated during Au dissolution, namely AuCl 2 − , AuCl 3 − and AuCl 4 − , were detected using a Pt microelectrode positioned at various distances from the Au electrode. Additionally, the SECM in transient mode (AC-SECM), which allows several transfer functions to be determined, has been used to characterize the presence and the relaxation time-constants of adsorbed intermediates formed at the Au electrode during its dissolution. The interpretation of the results is presented and discussed according to the different mechanisms reported in the literature, and subsequently, a new reaction mechanism is proposed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major drivers of heat transfer within a spacecraft heatshield is the effective thermal conductivity of the thermal protection material. For carbon-based thermal protection materials, this quantity is strongly connected to the thermal conductivity of the carbon fiber felt (preform) used to create the final composite. Use of effective thermal conductivity data from experiments in volume averaged numerical models is complex because: i) they are carried out in different media than its actual application, ii) changes on geometry or material properties require repetition of the experiments. Simulation of effective thermal conductivity using high fidelity simulations can overcome those problems. In this work, we propose a synthetic model based of the carbon fiber felt of Calcarb ® using Porous Microstructure Analysis (PuMA) software. This model is first validated with available experimental data and applied to new experiments and to study the effect of pyrolysis gas mixture on the effective property. Simplified correlations are then developed, which predict with remarkable accuracy the effective thermal conductivity of the Calcarb ® material. The developed model can be used to explore and predict effective conductivity at different conditions. In addition, the simplified algebraic correlations can be easily implemented in volume averaged material response codes to account in a more appropriate way for the effect of the percolating pyrolysis/atmospheric gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fate and effects of cC6O4 were evaluated in Mediterranean freshwater mesocosms. • cC6O4 is persistent in water and has low sorption capacity to sediments. • cC6O4 has limited bioconcentration, bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential. • Statistically significant adverse effects were found for Cloeon sp. (NOEC: 611 µg/L). • Ecotoxicological risks are not expected given the current exposure concentrations. Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have raised international concerns due to their widespread use, environmental persistence and potential bioaccumulative and ecotoxicological effects. Therefore, the chemical industry has been dedicated to develop new generation fluorosurfactants which are aimed to replace the most concerning PFAS. Here we investigated the fate and effects of cyclic C 6 O 4 (cC 6 O 4), a compound used as alternative to long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, in freshwater mesocosms located in the Mediterranean region (Spain) over a period of 90 days. cC 6 O 4 was applied as ammonium salt once at the following nominal concentrations: 0 µg/L (control), 1 µg/L, 20 µg/L, 400 µg/L, and 8,000 µg/L. The study shows that cC6O4 is relatively persistent in water (dissipation: 34–37 % after 90 days), has very low sorption capacity to sediments (sediment-water partition coefficient: 0.18–0.32 L/kg) and very limited bioconcentration (BCF: 0.09–0.94), bioaccumulation (BAF: 0.09–4.06) and biomagnification (BMF: 0.05–0.28) potential. cC 6 O 4 did not result in significant adverse effects on aquatic populations and communities of phytoplankton and zooplankton at the tested concentrations. As for the macroinvertebrate community, the ephemeropteran Cloeon sp. showed a population decline at the highest test concentration on day 60 onwards, and a significant effect on the macroinvertebrate community was identified on the last sampling day at the same exposure level. Therefore, the calculated NOEC for cC6O4 in freshwater mesocosms exposed over a period of 90 days was 400 µg/L, which corresponded to a time weighted average concentration of 611 µg/L, given the water evaporation in the test systems. This concentration is about an order of magnitude higher than the highest exposure concentration monitored in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, it can be concluded that cC 6 O 4 poses insignificant ecological risks for freshwater plankton and macroinvertebrate communities given the current environmental exposure levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variational autoencoders (VAEs) have shown promising potential as artificial neural networks (NN) for developing reduced-order models (ROMs) in the context of turbulent flows. In this study, we propose a method that combines β -VAEs for modal decomposition and transformer neural networks for temporal-dynamics prediction in the latent space to develop ROMs. We apply our method to an existing database of a turbulent flow around a wall-mounted square cylinder obtained by direct numerical simulation (DNS). A parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of the hyperparameters of the proposed β -VAEs and determine the optimal values. For the first time, we incorporate the consideration of the complexity of architecture into our studies, providing new insights into hyperparameter selection for β -VAEs, which remains a challenging problem for optimising model performance. Results regarding the influence of the different hyperparameters and guidelines to design these architectures are reported. Our optimal model achieves a reconstruction accuracy of 97.18% of the entire dataset using only ten modes. Subsequently, we employ the transformer models to identify latent-space temporal dynamics learned by the optimal β -VAE model and build ROMs to predict instantaneous fields. The resulting model achieves promising accuracy in temporal-dynamics predictions and yields energy reconstruction levels of 96.5% and 83% for a field 25 and 50 steps into the future, respectively, showcasing the potential of the transformer in predicting the temporal dynamics. Overall, the proposed method has potential applications in advanced flow control and fundamental studies of complex turbulent flows. • β -VAEs and transformer neural networks are combined to create ROMs of turbulent flows. • Parametric studies of β -VAEs, considering architecture complexity and providing guidelines. • The most energetic β -VAE modes represent dynamics associated with the first POD modes. • Transformer models outperform LSTM models in temporal-dynamics prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds great promise for treating various lung diseases, but the lack of safe and efficient pulmonary siRNA delivery systems has hindered its advance into the clinics. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which promotes cell proliferation, and the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) which plays a crucial role in suppressing cytotoxic T cells activity, are two important targets for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we explored the potential of PEG 12 -KL4, a synthetic peptide, to deliver siRNA to various NSCLC cells and to lung tissues in mice. PEG 12 -KL4 was used to transfect siRNAs targeted at both EGFR and PD-L1 into NSCLC cells. Immunoblotting was used to evaluate the siRNA silencing effects in HCC827 and NCI-H1975 NSCLC cells. CD8+ T cell-mediated NSCLC cell killing was employed to demonstrate the functional effects of PD-L1 siRNA knock-down. Fluorescent siRNAs were used to visualise siRNA uptake in cells as well as to enable biodistribution studies in BALB/c mice. Our results showed that PEG 12 -KL4 was efficient in mediating siRNA knock-down of EGFR and PD-L1 in various NSCLC cells. Importantly, the PEG 12 -KL4 peptide enabled significantly better siRNA delivery than the commercial Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. We hypothesised that PEG 12 -KL4 peptide enabled siRNA to either escape from or bypass endosomal degradation as indicated by confocal fluorescence imaging. Notably, combined knock-down of EGFR and PD-L1 in NCI-H1975 cells resulted in better effector T cell-mediated cancer cell killing than knock-down of PD-L1 alone. Moreover, biodistribution of PEG 12 -KL4/siRNA complexes following intravenous administration revealed poor lung delivery with the fluorescent siRNA accumulating in the liver. In contrast, intratracheal delivery of PEG 12 -KL4/siRNA complexes resulted in the fluorescent siRNA to be detected in the lung with retarded renal excretion. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the co-delivery of siRNAs targeting EGFR and PD-L1 using PEG 12 -KL4 is feasible and represents a promising future strategy to treat NSCLC, whereby pulmonary siRNA delivery is favourable to intravenous administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether unemployment exposure, as well as working conditions, can have sustained effects on the health of retirees who are no longer exposed. The aim of the present study is to investigate this issue in 29,281 French retirees from the CONSTANCES cohort in whom the prevalence of suboptimal self-rated health, disability for routine tasks, cardiovascular diseases and cancers is assessed according to lifetime exposure to unemployment and prior working conditions. The analyses are performed retrospectively using multivariable logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounders such as sex, birth year, parental histories of cardiovascular disease and cancer, social position, retirement age and duration. High lifetime exposure to unemployment is associated with an increased prevalence of suboptimal self-rated health (adjusted odds ratio (95% CI), 1.39 (1.23–1.57)), disability for routine tasks (1.41 (1.26–1.57)) and several cardiovascular diseases including stroke (1.66 (1.19–2.31)), myocardial infarction (1.65 (1.18–2.31)) and peripheral arterial disease (2.38 (1.46–3.90)). Bad prior working conditions are associated with an increased prevalence of disability for routine tasks (1.17 (1.04–1.33)) and cancers (1.27 (1.04–1.54)), notably prostate cancer (1.60 (1.01–2.64)). These findings suggest that unemployment and working conditions have long-term health effects that may cumulate over lifetime, emphasizing that risk evaluation and preventive strategies in retirees, as in workers, should take into account the life-course of individuals in addition to traditional risk factors. • Lifetime unemployment exposure and prior working conditions are associated with retirees' health. • Working conditions and unemployment have long-term health effects that may cumulate over lifetime. • Risk assessment in retirees should take into account life-course events in addition to traditional risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the porous medium equation (PME) on a locally finite graph and identify suitable curvature-dimension (CD) conditions under which a discrete version of the fundamental Aronson–Bénilan estimate holds true for positive solutions of the PME on finite graphs. We also show that these estimates allow to prove Harnack inequalities which are structurally similar to the continuous case. The new CD conditions are illustrated with several concrete examples, e.g. complete and chain-like graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Interactions with functional groups from the dye can be used to tailor solvents. • Methyltrioctylammonium salts play a key role to decolorize textile effluents. • Sodium groups present in dyes correlate to affinity with DESs. • Use of carboxylic acids result in DESs with manageable physical properties. In light of the escalating environmental challenges posed by the huge generation of wastewater and residues from dyeing processes, addressing water scarcity concerns has become an urgent imperative. This study proposes a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution via liquid–liquid extraction to effectively eliminate dyes from industrial effluents, producing clean and reusable water resources. Methyltrioctylammonium (N 1888) based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) show remarkable capabilities as extracting agents. Combined with octanoic and decanoic acids, the bromide and chloride ammonium salts were used to prepare four solvents. They were physically characterized and tested before a wide variety of colorants and synthetic effluents, including real auxiliar agents used in the textile industry. Extraction percentages across all experiments showed an average of 98.39%, reaching a maximum of 99.96% efficiency for the extraction of Reactive Black 5 from aqueous solution, which shows the potential of these solvents to mitigate the environmental impact of dyeing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three prenylated flavonoids (1–3) were isolated from Tetragonula biroi propolis. The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses. The cytotoxicity activity of the crude extracts, fractions and the isolated compounds were established against four cell lines such as Caco-2, HeLa, MCF-7, and OVK-18. Among the tested compounds, compound 1 showed cytotoxicity activity against MCF-7 cell lines, whereas compound 2 showed good activity against Caco-2 and OVK-18 cell lines with IC 50 values of 14.73 and 14.44, respectively. Moreover, compound 3 exhibited strong activity against OVK-18 cell lines. These findings contribute to the phytochemical understanding of the T. biroi propolis, and their cytotoxicity effects for future pharmaceutical purposes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic residues can reach aquatic ecosystems through urban wastewater discharges, posing an ecotoxicological risk for aquatic organisms and favoring the development of bacterial resistance. To assess the emission rate and hazardousness of these compounds, it is important to carry out periodic chemical monitoring campaigns that provide information regarding the actual performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the potential impact of the treated wastewater in the aquatic environment. In this study, 18 of the most widely consumed antibiotics in Spain were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in both influent (IWW) and effluent wastewater (EWW) samples collected over four seasons along 2021–2022. Eleven antibiotics were detected in EWW with azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin showing the highest concentration levels (around 2 μg L−1 of azithromycin and 0.4 μg L−1 of quinolone compounds). Data showed that only 4 out of the 11 compounds were removed by more than 50 % in the WWTP, with sulfamethoxazole standing out with an average removal efficiency >80 %. The risk that treated water could pose to the aquatic environment was also assessed, with 6 compounds indicating a potential environmental risk by exceeding established ecotoxicological and resistance thresholds. Based on the risk assessment, the WWTP removal efficiency required to reduce such risk for antibiotics was estimated. In addition, pooled wastewater samples were screened by LC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry with ion mobility separation, searching for metabolites and transformation products of the antibiotics investigated to widen future research. Studies like this are crucial to map the impact of antibiotic pollution and to provide the basis for designing water quality and risk prevention monitoring programs. [Display omitted] • Temporal variations were observed for 18 antibiotics present in urban wastewater. • Four metabolites and high concentrations of azithromycin and ciprofloxacin were found in wastewater. • Only 4 antibiotics out of the 11 detected are removed by >50% in the treatment plant. • Six antibiotics show ecotoxicological and/or resistance development risks. • Target removal efficiencies were calculated based on environmental thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Foot deformity and plantar sensitivity in elderly adults were evaluated. • Hallux valgus was the most prevalent deformity among elderly individuals. • Reduced foot sensitivity and hallux valgus impair physical function of older adults. Foot deformities are highly prevalent in older adults and negatively impact their mobility and quality of life. However, the association between foot problems and physical function is still unclear. To investigate whether structural foot deformities and plantar tactile sensitivity are associated with lower extremity physical function impairment in community-dwelling older adults. We included 200 men and women aged 60 years and older from a community-based program. The foot assessment included toe deformities and calluses inspection and evaluation of plantar tactile sensitivity using monofilaments. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to assess lower extremity physical function. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between foot problems and lower extremity physical function. Hallux valgus was the most prevalent deformity among older adults. Those participants with reduced plantar tactile sensitivity (OR= 2.77; 95% CI: 1.38, 5.55) and a hallux valgus (OR= 2.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.52) were more likely to present poor lower extremity physical function. Hallux valgus and impaired plantar sensitivity were associated with reduced lower extremity physical function in older adults. Further studies are necessary to identify this causality and to what extent management of these foot problems can improve general mobility and quality of life of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eco-friendly sodium acetate/urea (NaOAc:urea:water) deep eutectic solvent (DES) was evaluated for the extraction of bioactive compounds from melon peels. Melon peels were first extracted with water to separate the water-insoluble solids (WIS) from free sugars, and the WIS were subsequently extracted with the DES. The extracts were analyzed for oligosaccharides and protein as well as total phenolic content and antioxidant activities. The influence of extraction parameters (time, temperature, DES molar ratio, water content and solid consistency) on the composition of the extracts was evaluated. At the selected conditions (NaOAc:urea:water with molar ratio 1:3:1.6 (10% (w/w) water), with a consistency of 2% (w/w), at 90 °C for 10 min), the total oligosaccharide yield was 8.84 g oligosaccharides/100 g WIS, of which 90% were oligogalacturonides, and the total phenolic content and protein content were 4.35 mg GAE/g WIS and 2.87 g/100 g WIS, respectively. Pectin enriched in branched rhamnose units with a low degree of methyl esterification was recovered by precipitation, with a yield of 7.95 g/100 g WIS and a galacturonic acid content of 49.44%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stopping power for low-energy electrons is calculated. • The Full Penn Algorithm has been followed. • Band gap and exciton states have been considered. • Good agreement is obtained in the limit where the Bethe Approximation is valid. Stopping powers (SP) for electrons with energies greater than 10 keV are well described through the Bethe approximation. However, for energies below, such an approach is inadequate. SP in LiF, CaF 2 and Al 2 O 3 as the luminescent materials commonly used for dosimetry study and liquid-water are scarce at energies below 10 keV. This work investigated SP and CSDA-range of electrons in in these compounds from the energy gap up to 433 keV using the full Penn algorithm. In particular, the influence of the exciton states was evaluated. The experimental optical data were selected after a rigorous evaluation process. The results indicate that the exciton states affect the SP mainly at energies below 100 eV by up to 48%, 39%, 32% and 15% for liquid-water, LiF, CaF 2 and Al 2 O 3 , respectively. Furthermore, we observed a certain relationship between the minimum excitation-energy (exciton state) and the energy at which the SP is maximum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]