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Abstract Aims Compensatory mechanisms in heart failure (HF) are triggered to maintain adequate cardiac output. Among them, hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the main ones and carries a worse prognosis. The pupillary reflex depends on the SNS, and we can evaluate it through pupillometry. The aim of the study was to compare the differences in pupillary reflex between patients with acute HF and controls and to analyse whether these differences in pupillary reflex may offer a new and easy prognostic factor in such patients. Methods and results We prospectively and consecutively included 107 patients admitted with decompensated HF. Quantitative pupillometry was performed with the NeuroOptics pupillometry during the first 24 h after admission and prior to discharge. The results were compared with those of a group of 100 healthy volunteers who also underwent pupillometry. The maximum baseline pupil size (MBPS) and the minimum pupil diameter (MPD) were measured. Patients with decompensated HF have a higher MBPS (3.64 ± 0.81) and higher MPD (2.60 ± 0.58) than HF patients at discharge and in the control group (P‐value = 0.01 and 0.01, respectively). Also, HF patients presented an improvement in pupillometric values at discharge [MBPS (3.47 ± 0.79) and MPD (2.51 ± 0.58)] and showed no differences compared with the control group [MBPS (3.34 ± 0.82) and MPD (2.40 ± 0.53)] (P‐value = 0.19 and 0.14, respectively). In addition, MBPS provides a good independent predictor of in‐hospital and 1 month mortality in patients admitted with HF. Six patients (5.61%) died during hospital admission, and 11 patients (10.2%) died in the first month after discharge. Also, four patients (3.74%) were readmitted within 1 month of discharge. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting in‐hospital mortality through MBPS was 0.823. No patient with an MBPS

Reactive carbonyl species such as methylglyoxal (MGO) act as potent glycating agents that are implicated in several oxidative stress-induced diseases, including, but not limited to, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In the present study, a combined approach of initial computational studies and in vitro analysis was utilized to investigate the therapeutic benefit of L-cysteine (CYS), a thiol-containing compound. Based on the reactive analysis using global and local density functional theory (DFT) descriptors, the data reported here has revealed that CYS matches its electron-donating capacity with the electron acceptor, methylglyoxal, making the former a good candidate sequestering agent for the latter. Furthermore, in vitro analysis shows that CYS exhibits significant inhibitory effects towards damaging protein structural alteration and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Such assessment came about through Congo red binding Assay and Antiglycation Assay using BSA-MGO and BSA-glucose model systems. Additionally, CYS also demonstrates a significant protective effect towards MGO-induced oxidative stress in mouse C2C12 myotubes. Therefore, this thiol-containing compound is a promising therapeutic tool for several glycation or AGEs-induced pathological conditions. The use of more relevant cellular and animal models of desired disease studies is recommended to better understand the mechanistic basis of CYS’s potential therapeutic effect. This study utilizing the combined approach of computational and in-vitro analysis, provides helpful data to maximize the potential impact of CYS by designing related molecules that could serve as novel treatment strategies that are effective, safe, and accessible to all in the future.

Antibiotics and biocides can be more effective when combined with compounds that enhance their activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Our aim was therefore to explore the synergistic effect between biocides or antibiotics with essential oil compounds against food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The study was conducted with four representative essential oil compounds (EOCs): geraniol, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and eugenol, combined with antibiotics or biocides. Two strains, isolated from slaughterhouse surfaces during meat production and previously classified as MDR, were tested, Enterococcus faecalis E7.10 and Pseudomonas psychrophila M33T02.2. Both strains exhibited resistance to various antimicrobials tested, P. psychrophila M33T02.2 showed greater MICs for all antimicrobials except ampicillin (AMP) and chloramphenicol (CL), while E. faecalis E7.10 showed the highest resistance. Synergistic effects were observed combining subinhibitory concentrations of eugenol (EU) and cinnamaldehyde (CA) with AMP or erythromycin (E) against E. faecalis E7.10. For P. psychrophila M.33T02.2, only EU showed synergy when combined with chloramphenicol (CL) and cetrimide (CTR), however synergy was observed combining vancomycin (VN) with cinnamaldehyde (CN), as well as for the biocides CTR and benzalkonium (BC) with geraniol (GE) or cinnamaldehyde (CN). All tested synergies, except CTR with EU for E. faecalis E7.10, furthermore showed strong inhibition of biofilm development. Similarly, all synergies were effective against P. psychrophila M33T02.2 biofilm formation, except combinations involving BC. It is important to highlight the absence of cytotoxic effects on microglial cells U3_MG and BV2 cells (p > 0.05) at low concentrations, indicating their safety. These results allow us to propose the use of EOCs as adjuvant of antibiotics and biocides to limit the spread of MDR bacteria in the food chain and the environment, in addition to their use alone or in combination with biocides in food product preservation against foodborne pathogens.

El Gorgias ofrece un arduo debate sobre la persuasión. Una de las tesis suscritas por Sócrates es que existen dos formas de persuasión: una que produce mera creencia –πειθὼ πιστευτική– y otra, muy distinta, que instruye –πειθὼ διδασκαλική–. Este artículo pretende, por una parte, relacionar estas dos formas de persuasión con la retórica tradicional y la actividad filosófica, respectivamente, y, por otra, analizar a partir de estas dos formas de persuasión el mito conclusivo del Gorgias, en el que Sócrates habla acerca del destino del alma en el más allá. La conclusión es que el contenido del mito final es coherente con las tesis razonadas ofrecidas por Sócrates durante la parte dialogada y que, mediante el empleo del mito, Platón problematiza los límites de la enseñanza filosófica.

Purpose: This study aims to investigates the perceptions of 3rd-year accountancy students concerning the passing rates of the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (LECPA). Design/methodology/approach: This study utilized a qualitative research design with a multiple case study approach, the researchers employed in-depth interviews, observations, and data mining to explore students’ decisions to persist in pursuing CPA licensure or reconsider their career paths. Research Findings: The results of the study indicated that some participants exhibited strong determination fueled by personal commitment, while others expressed hesitancy due to concerns about exam difficulty and the risk of failure. These insights emphasize the importance of robust support systems for aspiring Certified Public Accountants. Contribution/Originality/Novelty: The findings contribute valuable insights for academic institutions and educators to tailor effective support systems and interventions, advancing the understanding of career choices, educational motivation, and dynamics within the field of accountancy for 3rd-year students. Tujuan Penelitian: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui persepsi mahasiswa akuntansi tahun ke-3 mengenai tingkat kelulusan Ujian Lisensi Akuntan Publik Bersertifikat (LECPA). Desain / metodologi / pendekatan: Penelitian ini memanfaatkan desain penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus ganda, para peneliti menggunakan wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan penggalian data untuk mengeksplorasi keputusan siswa untuk tetap mengejar lisensi CPA atau mempertimbangkan kembali jalur karir mereka. Temuan Penelitian: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa beberapa peserta menunjukkan tekad yang kuat yang dipicu oleh komitmen pribadi, sementara yang lain menyatakan keraguan karena kekhawatiran akan kesulitan ujian dan risiko kegagalan. Wawasan ini menekankan pentingnya sistem pendukung yang kuat bagi calon Akuntan Publik Bersertifikat. Kontribusi / Orisinalitas / Kebaruan: Temuan ini memberikan kontribusi wawasan berharga bagi institusi akademis dan pendidik untuk menyesuaikan sistem pendukung dan intervensi yang efektif, memajukan pemahaman tentang pilihan karir, motivasi pendidikan, dan dinamika dalam bidang akuntansi untuk siswa tahun ke-3.

The evisceration of infested species on board commercial fleets and the throwing of viscera into the sea, as is mostly the case for hake, is common practice for reducing the occurrence of Anisakis in fishery products. Moreover, the high levels of infestation and the lack of technically and economically feasible solutions hinder the possibility of recovering viscera with other fish processing byproducts as raw material for feed without the risk of transmission of allergens to humans, with the subsequent risk for public health. The aim of this work was to study the fate of Anisakis simplex allergens during 11 days of silage of infested hake (Merluccius merluccius) viscera, as a potential method for eliminating this risk. While the viscera were almost completely liquefied, an increase in the allergenicity of the soluble fraction was observed, which decreased only slightly after day 9. As we are aware of the resistance of parasite allergens to gastrointestinal enzymes, silage was also analyzed after 12 and 15 months. While the lower molecular weight fragments of Anisakis proteins are fully digested, some larger fragments with potential allergenicity resisted autolysis after long silage periods, but they were present in a very low concentration. The study concludes that there is the potential of silage as a method for recovering fish viscera infested with Anisakis.

Sous vide cooking implies cooking foods, packed under vacuum conditions, at controlled temperatures (Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium spores) in chicken breast and eggs (omelet). For this purpose, two levels of inoculation (102 and 106 CFU/g), two different recipes, and two distinct treatments (with and without storage) for each food were studied. After treatments and storage, the corresponding microbiological counts were performed with standard methods. Average inactivation rates observed were 1.70, 4.82, and 4.34 log for Clostridium spores, Campylobacter, and Salmonella, respectively. No significant differences in microbial inactivation were perceived between the different recipes (food composition) or treatments, except for Clostridium spores, which showed a higher inactivation rate (2.30 log) when samples were stored. In general, preliminary results showed that, although appropriate levels of inactivation are reached for vegetative pathogenic cells, in some cases (spores in breast and Salmonella in eggs), the remaining microbiological risks should be considered and further studied, especially if long-term storage is planned.

Summary: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened risks for individuals with hematological malignancies due to compromised immune systems, leading to more severe outcomes and increased mortality. While interventions like vaccines, targeted antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies have been effective for the general population, their benefits for these patients may not be as pronounced. Methods: The EPICOVIDEHA registry (National Clinical Trials Identifier, NCT04733729) gathers COVID-19 data from hematological malignancy patients since the pandemic's start worldwide. It spans various global locations, allowing comprehensive analysis over the first three years (2020–2022). Findings: The EPICOVIDEHA registry collected data from January 2020 to December 2022, involving 8767 COVID-19 cases in hematological malignancy patients from 152 centers across 41 countries, with 42% being female. Over this period, there was a significant reduction in critical infections and an overall decrease in mortality from 29% to 4%. However, hospitalization, particularly in the ICU, remained associated with higher mortality rates. Factors contributing to increased mortality included age, multiple comorbidities, active malignancy at COVID-19 onset, pulmonary symptoms, and hospitalization. On the positive side, vaccination with one to two doses or three or more doses, as well as encountering COVID-19 in 2022, were associated with improved survival. Interpretation: Patients with hematological malignancies still face elevated risks, despite reductions in critical infections and overall mortality rates over time. Hospitalization, especially in ICUs, remains a significant concern. The study underscores the importance of vaccination and the timing of COVID-19 exposure in 2022 for enhanced survival in this patient group. Ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions are essential to support this vulnerable population, emphasizing the critical role of timely diagnosis and prompt treatment in preventing severe COVID-19 cases. Funding: Not applicable.

Hombre de 79 años, hipertenso y exfumador derivado por xeroftalmía y xerostomía de 3 años de evolución y patrón intersticial en radiografía de tórax. No refería síntomas respiratorios, en la exploración física presentó saturación del 98% basal y crepitantes bibasales secos.

Introducción. La principal medida de control de la mancha marrón (MM) causada por Septoria glycines, se realiza mediante la aplicación de fungicida foliar, sin embargo, el manejo de la enfermedad podría realizarse con prácticas de manejo cultural y genético. Objetivo. Analizar la evolución de la MM de la soja en diferentes sistemas de producción. Materiales y métodos. Este estudio se llevó a cabo durante dos años consecutivos (2020 y 2022), en la localidad de Pergamino, Buenos Aires, sobre un cultivar de soja DM46i20. Las variables de manejo fueron cultivos de cobertura (CC), rotaciones (Rt), momento de aplicación del fungicida foliar (MAFF). La variable patométrica evaluada fue el área bajo la curva de progreso de la altura de la planta con síntomas (ABCPAPS) y como variable cuantitativa fisiología sobre el cultivo el rendimiento (R) en granos en kg/ha. Resultados. Las prácticas de manejo agronómico tuvieron un efecto significativo (p≤0,05) sobre el R y el ABCPAPS. Las variables CC y MAFF fueron independientes y presentaron una repuesta significativa (p

Despite the high success rates of dental implants, peri-implantitis is currently the most common complication in dental implantology. Peri-implantitis has an inflammatory nature, it is associated with the accumulation of plaque in the peri-implant tissues, and its evolution can be progressive depending on various factors, comorbidities, and poor oral health. Prophylaxis and different treatment methods have been widely discussed in recent decades, and surgical and non-surgical techniques present both advantages and disadvantages. In this work, a literature review of different studies on the application of adjuvant treatments, such as local and systemic antibiotics and antiseptic treatments, was conducted. Positive outcomes have been found in the short (up to one year after treatment) and long term (up to ten years after treatment) with combined therapies. However, there is still a need to explore new therapies based on the use of advanced drug delivery systems for the effective treatment of peri-implantitis in the long term and without relapses. Hence, micro- and nanoparticles, implants, and injectable hydrogels, among others, should be considered in future peri-implantitis treatment with the aim of enhancing overall therapy outcomes.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based autocontouring in radiation oncology has potential benefits such as standardization and time savings. However, commercial AI solutions require careful evaluation before clinical integration. We developed a multidimensional evaluation method to test pretrained AI-based automated contouring solutions across a network of clinics. Curated data included 121 patient planning computed tomography (CT) scans with a total of 859 clinically approved contours used for treatment from 4 clinics. Regions of interest (ROIs) were generated with 3 commercial AI-based automated contouring software solutions (AI1, AI2, AI3) spanning the following disease sites: brain, head and neck (H&N), thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Quantitative agreement between AI-generated and clinical contours was measured by Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD). Qualitative assessment was performed by multiple experts scoring blinded AI-contours using a Likert scale. Workflow and usability surveying was also conducted. AI1, AI2, and AI3 contours had high quantitative agreement in 27.8%, 32.8%, and 34.1% of cases (DSC >0.9), performing well in pelvis (median DSC = 0.86/0.88/0.91) and thorax (median DSC = 0.91/0.89/0.91). All 3 solutions had low quantitative agreement in 7.4%, 8.8%, and 6.1% of cases (DSC <0.5), performing worse in brain (median DSC = 0.65/0.78/0.75) and H&N (median DSC = 0.76/0.80/0.81). Qualitatively, AI1 and AI2 contours were acceptable (rated 1-2) with at most minor edits in 70.7% and 74.6% of ROIs (2906 ratings), higher for abdomen (AI1: 79.2%) and thorax (AI2: 90.2%), and lower for H&N (29.0/35.6%). An end-user survey showed strong user preference for full automation and mixed preferences for accuracy versus total number of structures generated. Our evaluation method provided a comprehensive analysis of both quantitative and qualitative measures of commercially available pretrained AI autocontouring algorithms. The evaluation framework served as a roadmap for clinical integration that aligned with user workflow preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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