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Simple Summary: Vitamin D3 and vitamin K3 each play a crucial role in the growth, skeletal development, and regulation of bone biomarkers and calcium homeostasis in larval and juvenile gilthead seabream. Although their interaction has been shown to influence these parameters in animals and humans, there is limited research on this interaction in fish. In this study, juvenile gilthead seabream was fed diets with varying combinations of vitamin D3 and K3. The results showed no significant effects on growth, serum calcitriol levels, or morphometric parameters. However, a significant impact was observed on bone biomarkers and calcium-regulating genes across different tissues. Additionally, there was an increasing tendency of skeletal anomalies with higher vitamin levels. These findings suggest that, while dietary vitamin D3 and K3 can modulate bone biomarkers and calcium-regulating genes in fish, they do not significantly influence growth or serum calcitriol, likely due to the size and developmental stage of the fish. Based on this, we recommend considering vitamin D3 and K3 in diets to support skeletal health but note that they may not yield substantial changes in growth outcomes for juvenile gilthead seabream. The interaction between vitamin D and vitamin K is crucial for regulating bone metabolism and maintaining calcium homeostasis across diverse animal species due to their complementary roles in calcium metabolism and bone health. However, research on this interaction of vitamin D and K in fish, particularly Mediterranean species like gilthead seabream, is limited or not studied. This study aimed to understand the effects of different dietary combinations of vitamin D3 and K3 on juvenile gilthead seabream. Accordingly, seabream juveniles were fed with varying combinations of vitamin D3/vitamin K3 (mg/kg diet) for 3 months: (0.07/0.01), (0.20/0.58), (0.19/1.65), (0.51/0.74), (0.56/1.00). At the end of the trial, survival, growth, body morphology, serum calcitriol, and vertebral mineral composition remained unaffected by varying vitamin levels, while gene expression patterns related to bone formation, resorption, and calcium regulation in various tissues were significantly influenced by both vitamins and their interaction. Gilthead seabream juveniles fed the 0.07/0.01 mg/kg diet upregulated calcium-regulating genes in the gills, indicating an effort to enhance calcium absorption to compensate for dietary deficiencies. Conversely, an increase in vitamin D3 and K3 up to 0.19 and 1.65 mg/kg, respectively, upregulated bone formation, bone remodeling, and calcium homeostasis-related gene expression in vertebra and other tissues. On the contrary, a dietary increase in these vitamins up to 0.56 mg/kg vitamin D3 and 1.00 mg/kg vitamin K3 downregulated calcium metabolism-related genes in tissues, suggesting an adverse interaction resulting from elevated levels of these vitamins in the diet. Hence, sustaining an equilibrium in the dietary intake of vitamin D3 and vitamin K3, in an appropriately combined form, may potentially induce interactions between the vitamins, contributing to favorable effects on bone development and calcium regulation in gilthead seabream juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular aging is associated with the development of cardiovascular complications, in which endothelial cell senescence (ES) may play a critical role. Nitric oxide (NO) prevents human ES through inhibition of oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling by mechanisms yet to be elucidated. Endothelial cells undergo an irreversible growth arrest and alter their functional state after a finite number of divisions, a phenomenon called replicative senescence. We assessed the contribution of NO during replicative senescence of human aortic (HAEC) and coronary (CAEC) endothelial cells, in which accumulation of the senescence marker SA-β-Gal was quantified by β-galactosidase staining on cultured cells. We found a negative correlation in passaged cell cultures from P0 to P12, between a reduction in NO production with increased ES and the formation of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (ONOO−) species, indicative of oxidative and nitrosative stress. The effect of ES was evidenced by reduced expression of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS), Interleukin Linked Kinase (ILK), and Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), alongside a significant increase in the BH2/BH4 ratio, inducing the uncoupling of eNOS, favoring the production of superoxide and peroxynitrite species, and fostering an inflammatory environment, as confirmed by the levels of Cyclophilin A (CypA) and its receptor Extracellular Matrix Metalloprotease Inducer (EMMPRIN). NO prevents ES by preventing the uncoupling of eNOS, in which oxidation of BH4, which plays a key role in eNOS producing NO, may play a critical role in launching the release of free radical species, triggering an aging-related inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burnout is a primary psychosocial risk factor in the workplace. Mental health stigma, which includes negative cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, also undermines the performance of social healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore the levels of burnout in a sample of community social healthcare workers as well as its relationships with variables such as stigma towards mental health problems, professional skills, and job characteristics. An online assessment was conducted with 184 social healthcare professionals (75.5% female, mean age = 40.82 years, SD = 9.9). Medium levels of burnout and stigma and high levels of professional skills were observed. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that stigma towards mental health problems and professional skills predicted emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.153, F(4, 179) = 9.245, p < 0.001), depersonalization (R2 = 0.213, F(3, 180) = 17.540, p < 0.001), and personal accomplishment (R2 = 0.289, F(5, 178) = 15.87, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that social healthcare systems could benefit from taking care of the mental health of their workers by addressing burnout, tackling negative attitudes towards mental health problems, and providing professional skills training. This would help to make social healthcare systems more inclusive and of higher quality, thereby reducing health costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether genetic variations in the OPRD1 gene affect psychopathological symptoms and personality dimensions in eating disorders (ED) patients and/or contribute to ED risk. Methods: The study involved 221 female patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), 88 with bulimia nervosa (BN), and 396 controls. Sixteen tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in OPRD1 were identified. Psychometric evaluations were conducted using the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90R) and the Eating Disorders Inventory Test-2 (EDI-2). p-values obtained by regression models were corrected for multiple testing by the False Discovery Rate (FDR) method. Results: In AN patients, genotypes rs204077TT and rs169450TT were linked to lower body-mass index (BMI) values (FDR-q = 0.035 and 0.017, respectively), as was rs2234918 in a log-additive model (BMI: 18.0 ± 0.28, 17.22 ± 0.18 and 16.59 ± 0.39 for TT, TC and CC carriers, FDR-q = 0.012). Additionally, AN patients carrying the rs72665504AA genotype had higher scores in interpersonal distrust (FDR-q = 0.030), whilst BN carriers of rs513269TT and rs2873795TT showed lower scores in ineffectiveness (FDR-q = 0.041 and FDR-q = 0.021). In the AN group, BMI correlated with variability in a distal haplotype (rs508448/rs204077/rs223491, FDR-q = 0.028), which was also associated with the global positive symptom total (PST) index of SCL-90R (FDR-q = 0.048). Associations were more noticeable in BN patients; again, the distal region of the gene was linked to EDI-2 total scores (FDR-q = 0.004–0.048 for the four last haplotypes) and two global SCL-90R indices (GSI: FDR-q = 0.011 and positive symptom distress index (PSDI): FDR-q = 0.003 for the last s204077/rs2234918/rs169450 combination). No associations with ED risk were observed. Conclusions: Genetic variation in the OPRD1 gene, particularly in its distal region, is associated with BMI and psychopathological comorbidities in ED patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partial replacement effect of Portland cement by geothermal nano-SiO2 waste (GNSW) for sustainable Portland-cement-based concrete was investigated to improve the properties of concrete exposed at high critical temperatures. Portland cement was partially replaced by 20 and 30 wt.% of GNSW. The partial replacement effect on Portland-cement-based concrete subjected to 350, 550, and 750 °C was evaluated by measuring the weight changes, ultrasonic pulse velocity, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, surface inspection, and scanning electron microscopy under residual conditions. The ultrasonic pulse velocity results showed that the GNSW specimens maintained suitable stability after being heated to 350 °C. The SEM analysis revealed a denser microstructure for the 20 wt.% of partial replacement of Portland cement by GNSW specimen compared to the reference concrete when exposed to temperatures up to 400 °C, maintaining stability in its microstructure. The weight losses were higher for the specimens with partial replacements of GNSW than the reference concrete at 550 °C, which can be attributed to the pozzolanic activity presented by the GNSW, which increases the amounts of CSH gel, leading to a much denser cementitious matrix, causing a higher weight loss compared to the reference concrete. GNSW is a viable supplementary cementitious material, enhancing thermal properties up to 400 °C due to its high pozzolanic activity and filler effect while offering environmental benefits by reducing industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with fibromyalgia (FM) experience a range of symptoms (chronic widespread pain, fatigue, mood disorder, sleep problems, muscle stiffness) that promote deterioration of physical condition and function. With impaired physical function, fear of falling and risk of falling increases. This study evaluated physical function, self-perceived physical fitness, falls, quality of life, and the degree of disability caused by FM according to fear and risk of falling in Spanish adult women with FM. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 84 Spanish adult women with FM. Participants completed tests to assess their physical function and completed questionnaires to evaluate self-perceived physical fitness, falls, the disabling effect of FM, quality of life, fear of falling, and risk of falling. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to analyze possible intergroup differences (Mann–Whitney U test) and correlations between variables (Spearman's Rho). Results: Women with a fear of falling and at risk of falling presented a worse performance in physical tests, worse self-perceived physical fitness, greater number of falls, lower quality of life, and greater degree of disability due to FM. Weak and moderate correlations were found for fear of falling and fall risk and the variables of interest. However, no intergroup differences were found, nor significant correlations in all variables. Conclusions: Women with FM who present fear of falling and risk of falling tend to have worse performance in physical function tests, in addition to worse self-perceived physical fitness, higher number of falls, poorer quality of life, and greater disabling effect of FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjective cognitive impairment in older persons has a substantial influence on their quality of life and can progress to serious illnesses such as dementia. Physical activity level can help prevent cognitive decline and improve cognitive performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between frequency of physical activity and subjective cognitive impairment in Spanish adults aged 65 and over, and to identify different risk factors. Using data from the EHSS20 survey, the study focused on 7082 participants who provided information on cognitive impairment and physical activity. Key predictor variables included age, gender, BMI, marital status, and education level. A significant relationship was found between BMI category and gender, with 66.5% of the population being overweight or obese. Men were more likely to be overweight than women. Socio-demographic factors such as educational level, marital status, and physical activity frequency showed dependent associations with sex. Women had a higher prevalence of subjective cognitive impairment than men. A strong association was found between frequency of physical activity and subjective cognitive impairment, with inactive older people having the highest prevalence of subjective cognitive impairment. Older women who engage in little physical exercise and have less education are at risk for subjective cognitive impairment. Furthermore, for both men and women, being overweight was associated with a more reduced risk than obesity. Significant relationships were also discovered between subjective cognitive impairment, frequency of physical exercise, gender, BMI, and degree of education. In conclusion, older, sedentary women with high BMI and less education are more likely to experience subjective cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy, as a new model of waste management through energy self-sufficiency and valorisation, can be applied to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Screening waste from WWTP pretreatment is the only waste that is not energetically recovered and thus constrains the achievement of zero waste. Previous studies demonstrated the technical feasibility of producing solid recovered fuel (SRF) from this waste. Environmental benefits, including waste reduction, resource conservation, or reduced greenhouse gas emissions are analysed in this work. Environmental impact is quantified using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology through the SimaPro 9.2. software and the CML-IA baseline v3.08 impact methodology, that propose 11 impact categories. Five scenarios were established to compare current landfill disposal with the production of densified and non-densified SRF using solar and thermal drying. Within the system boundaries studied, from waste generation to SRF production, results show that landfill is the most environmentally damaging option while producing non-densified SRF using solar drying is the most environmentally viable scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Radical prostatectomy has a high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim was to determine if the expression of the nitric oxide synthase-3/soluble guanylate cyclase/phosphodiesterase 5 axis could be detected in buccal mucosa and if it could be differently expressed in patients with and without ED; (2) Methods: Erectile function from 38 subjects subjected to prostatectomy was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function Domain before and one year after surgery. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), β1-subunit of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) expressions, and interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 content were measured in the buccal mucosa. PDE5A rs3806808 gene polymorphism was genotyped; (3) Results: One year after prostatectomy, 15 patients had recovered functional erection, and 23 showed ED. NOS3, β1-sGC, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 expressions were not different between patients with and without ED after radical prostatectomy. Buccal mucosa levels of PDE-5 were higher in patients with ED compared to those who recovered erectile functionality. There were no differences found in the genotype of PDE5A polymorphism; (4) Conclusions: One year after prostatectomy, patients with ED had higher PDE5 levels in their buccal mucosa than patients who had recovered erectile function. Rs3806808 PDE5A gene polymorphism was not associated with increased PDE5 expression in buccal mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a mental disorder that causes great discomfort, is associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits, and affects the quality of life. People with pain show high depressive symptoms and a prevalence of physical inactivity. This study aimed to analyse the associations between depression (self-reported depression, depression status, depressive symptoms, and depression types) and physical activity frequency (PAF) in leisure time in middle-aged and older people with different pain levels (low, medium, and severe) living in Spain. A cross-sectional study based on the European Health Survey data from Spain (2014–2020) was carried out, with a final sample of 13,686 people with pain. Associations between depression-related variables and PAF were studied at the three levels of pain, comparing the prevalence of depression as a function of PAF. Regression models were performed to assess adjusted risk factors for depression (self-reported depression and depression status). It was found that PAF was related to depression at all three pain levels. Inactive people at each pain level had higher depression prevalence (self-reported depression, depression status, depression symptoms, and depressive types). Physical inactivity emerged as a risk factor for depression, both for self-reported depression and for depression status. Thus, increased PAF could help prevent or reduce depression and depressive symptoms in people with pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Artificial intelligence using machine learning techniques may help us to predict and prevent obesity. The aim was to design an interpretable prediction algorithm for overweight/obesity risk based on a combination of different machine learning techniques. (2) Methods: 38 variables related to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health aspects from 1179 residents in Madrid were collected and used to train predictive models. Accuracy, precision, and recall metrics were tested and compared between nine classical machine learning techniques and the predictive model based on a combination of those classical machine learning techniques. Statistical validation was performed. The shapely additive explanation technique was used to identify the variables with the greatest impact on weight gain. (3) Results: Cascade classifier model combining gradient boosting, random forest, and logistic regression models showed the best predictive results for overweight/obesity compared to all machine learning techniques tested, reaching an accuracy of 79%, precision of 84%, and recall of 89% for predictions for weight gain. Age, sex, academic level, profession, smoking habits, wine consumption, and Mediterranean diet adherence had the highest impact on predicting obesity. (4) Conclusions: A combination of machine learning techniques showed a significant improvement in accuracy to predict risk of overweight/obesity than machine learning techniques separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) and fatal familial insomnia (FFI) are prion diseases characterized by severe neurodegenerative conditions and a short duration of illness. Methods: This study explores the characteristics of hospitalizations for CJD and FFI in Spain from 2016 to 2022 using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (SNHDD). Results: We identified a total of 1063 hospital discharges, including 1020 for CJD and 43 for FFI. Notably, the number of hospitalized patients with FFI showed a significant peak in 2017. The average length of hospital stay (LOHS) was 13 days for CJD and 6 days for FFI, with in-hospital mortality rates (IHM) of 36.37% for CJD and 32.56% for FFI. Among CJD patients, the average LOHS was 14 days, with a significantly longer duration for those who experienced IHM. Conclusions: The presence of sepsis or pneumonia and older age were associated with a higher IHM rate among CJD patients. The total estimated cost for managing CJD and FFI patients over the study period was EUR 6,346,868. This study offers new insights into the epidemiology and healthcare resource utilization of CJD and FFI patients, which may inform future research directions and public health strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proportion of aged populations is increasing worldwide. Exercise has a palliating effect on some adverse implications of aging. Multicomponent training (MCT) is a recommended form of exercise for the aged population. The aims of this research were to (1) study the number of publications regarding MCT in the aged population following an exponential growth rate; (2) identify the journals, authors, and countries that stand out the most in this area; and (3) describe the most common themes and used keywords in this field. The analysis was performed through the traditional laws of bibliometrics, including, Price's, Lotka's, Bradford's, and Zipf's law. All documents published in journals indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection from 2001 to November 2023 that met the inclusion criteria were included. The 485 documents included in this review revealed that the number of annual publications experienced an exponential growth phase, 15 journals with six or more publications formed the core journals on this topic, and the author Mikel Izquierdo and his collaborative network topped the lists of prominent and prolific co-authors. Spain was the leading country in number of publications. Various thematic lines and keywords regarding strength, sarcopenia, quality of life, falls, balance, dual-task exercise, and cognitive and physical functioning were identified. In conclusion, this work confirmed that research on this topic is going through an exponential growth phase and provided detailed information about the journals, authors, and countries involved in the subject, as well as the keywords most frequently used in the subject matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escalating global surface temperatures are highlighting the urgent need for energy-saving solutions. Phase-change materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing thermal comfort in the construction sector. This study assessed the impact of incorporating PCMs ranging from 1% to 10% by mass into composite Portland cement partially replaced by fly ash (FA) and nanosilica particles (NS). Mechanical and electrochemical techniques were utilized to evaluate composite cements. The results indicate that the presence of PCMs delayed cement hydration, acting as a filler without chemically interacting within the composite. The combination of FA and PCMs reduced compressive strength at early ages, while thermal conductivity decreased after 90 days due to the melting point and the latent heat of PCMs. Samples with FA and NS showed a significant reduction in the CO2 penetration, attributed to their pozzolanic and microfiller effects, as well as reduced water absorption due to the non-absorptive nature of PCMs. Nitrogen physisorption confirmed structural changes in the cement matrix. Additionally, electrical resistivity and thermal behavior assessments revealed that PCM-containing samples could reduce temperatures by an average of 4 °C. This suggested that PCMs could be a viable alternative for materials with thermal insulation capacity, thereby contributing to energy efficiency in the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The present work presents a snapshot of the state of the art of Equine-Assisted Intervention (EAI) research, including published articles and the most cited research as well as the most used keywords, and prolific authors and co-authors and their countries. To our knowledge, no other bibliometric studies have been performed, so it can be a tool to support future research. Equine Assisted Interventions (EAIs) integrate the active participation of horses in therapeutic or educational interventions. A bibliometric analysis was carried out on this topic, using traditional bibliometric laws and recommendations. For this purpose, a search on the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database was carried out, obtaining 333 documents. Annual publications followed an exponentially increasing trend (R2 = 86%), pointing out that this topic is a growing interest among researchers, publishers, and journals. The USA was the most productive country worldwide and Jeong-yi Kwon and Ji Lee were the prolific co-authors. The WoS category with the highest number of papers was Rehabilitation (84 papers). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, and Pediatric Physical Therapy were the journals with the highest number of publications. The most cited paper was "State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy". The most used author keywords were rehabilitation, balance, and those related to specific populations such as Cerebral Palsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder. These results suggest that EAIs is a topic of increasing interest for researchers, editors, and professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefit of prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with severe systolic dysfunction of non-ischemic origin is still unclear, and the identification of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death remains a major challenge. Aims/Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM) who underwent prophylactic ICD implantation between 2008 and 2020 in two tertiary centers. Our main goal was to identify the predictors of appropriate ICD therapies (anti-tachycardia pacing [ATP] and/or shocks) in this cohort of patients. Results: A total of 224 patients were included. After a median follow-up of 51 months, 61 patients (27.2%) required appropriate ICD therapies. Patients with appropriate ICD therapies were more frequently men (87% vs. 69%, p = 0.006), of younger age (59 years, (53–65) vs. 64 years, (57–70); p = 0.02), showed more right bundle branch blocks (RBBBs) (15% vs. 4%, p = 0.007) and less left bundle branch blocks (LBBBs) (26% vs. 47%, p = 0.005) in the ECG, and had higher left ventricular end-diastolic (100 mL/m2, (90–117) vs. 86, (71–110); p = 0.011) and systolic volumes (72 mL/m2, (59–87) vs. 61, (47–81), p = 0.05). In a multivariate competing-risks regression analysis, RBBB (HR 2.26, CI 95% 1.02–4.98, p = 0.043) was identified as an independent predictor of appropriate ICD therapies. Conclusion: RBBBs may help to identify patients with NICM at high risk of ventricular arrhythmias and requiring ICD intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and gynaecological and colorectal cancers are highly prevalent diseases. Furthermore, the presence of DM constitutes a risk factor and poor prognostic indicator for these types of cancer. This study is based on the European Health Interview Surveys in Spain (EHISS) of 2014 and 2020. It aimed to determine the trends in adherence to screening tests for gynaecological cancers (breast and cervical) and colorectal cancer, compare adherence levels between populations with and without diabetes, and identify predictors of adherence in the population with diabetes. Methods: An epidemiological case-control study based on the EHISS data of 2014 and 2020 was conducted. The characteristics of participants who underwent screening tests were analysed based on the presence or absence of DM, and predictors of adherence to these preventive activities were identified. Results: A total of 1852 participants with reported DM and 1852 controls without DM, adjusted for age and sex, were included. A higher adherence to mammography was observed in women without diabetes compared to those with diabetes, although statistical significance was not reached (72.9% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.068). Similarly, higher Pap smear adherence was observed in the population without diabetes in the age group between 60 and 69 years compared to the population with diabetes (54.0% vs. 45.8%, p = 0.016). Pap smear adherence among women with diabetes was significantly higher in the EHISS of 2020 (52.0% in 2014 vs. 61.0% in 2020, p = 0.010), as was the case for faecal occult blood testing (13.8% in 2014 vs. 33.8% in 2020, p < 0.001), but it was not significant for mammography (70.4% in 2014 vs. 66.8% in 2020, p = 0.301). Overall, the predictors of adherence to screening tests were older age, history of cancer and higher education level. Conclusions: Adherence levels to cancer screening tests were lower in the population with diabetes compared to those without diabetes, although an improvement in Pap smear and faecal occult blood test adherence was observed in 2020 compared to 2014. Understanding predictors is important to improve adherence rates in the population with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a global ageing of the world's population. Ageing is associated with multiple pathologies, reductions in physical activity, and losses in cognitive function. This study aimed to analyse the associations between the frequency of leisure-time physical activity (PAF) in middle-aged Spaniards and subjective cognitive limitations (SCLs): self-reported problems for remembering or concentrating (data extracted from the 2017 National Health Survey and the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain). Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate risk factors that could be related to a higher probability of developing SCLs. This was a cross-sectional study with 15,866 middle-aged Spaniards. The associations between FAP and SCLs were analysed using chi-square. Also, the risk factors for SCLs were evaluated using binary multiple logistic regression. The median age of participants was 55 years, with 49% men and 51% women. Associations were found between PAF and SCLs (p < 0.001). The highest prevalence of SCLs was found in physically inactive people and the lowest in very active people (13.7% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.05), and people with SCLs had a higher prevalence of inactivity than those without SCLs (47.2% vs. 33.8%, p < 0.05). Physical inactivity, low educational level, low social class, and being female were the main risk factors for SCLs. Among the actions to prevent cognitive limitations, as well as interventions in people with cognitive limitations, it would be advisable to include physical activity programmes, both as a preventive measure to delay cognitive limitations and to reduce the risk of other pathologies in people who already have them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: To analyze changes in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD); to evaluate hospital outcomes according to AF status, assessing sex differences; to identify factors associated with AF presence; and to analyze variables associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) in AE-COPD patients with AF. Methods: We used data from the Registry of Specialized Care Activity-Basic Minimum Data Set (RAE-CMBD) to select patients aged ≥40 years with COPD in Spain (2016–2021). We stratified the study population according to AF presence and sex. The propensity score matching (PSM) methodology was employed to create comparable groups based on age, admission year, and comorbidities at the time of hospitalization. Results: We identified 399,196 hospitalizations that met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 20.58% had AF. The prevalence of AF rose from 2016 to 2021 (18.26% to 20.95%), though the increase was only significant in men. The median length of hospital stay (LOHS) and IHM were significantly higher in patients with AF than in those without AF. After PSM, IHM remained significantly higher for man and women with AF. Older age, male sex, and several comorbidities were factors associated with AF. Additionally, older age, male sex, different comorbidities including COVID-19, hospitalization in the year 2020, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were associated with higher IHM in patients with AE-COPD and AF. Conclusions: AF prevalence was high in patients hospitalized for AE-COPD, was higher in men than in women, and increased over time. AF presence was associated with worse outcomes. The variables associated with IHM in hospitalized AE-COPD patients with AF were older age, male sex, different comorbidities including COVID-19 presence, hospitalization in the year 2020, need of mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern region of Chile boasts unique geographical features that support the emergence of geothermal effluents, salt lagoons, and coastal creeks. These extreme climate conditions create polyextreme habitats for microorganisms, particularly adapted to survive these harsh environments. These extremophilic microorganisms hold immense potential as a source of hydrolytic enzymes, among other biotechnological applications. In this study, we isolated 15 strains of aerobic thermophilic bacteria (45–70 °C) from sediment samples collected at five different ecological sites, including hot springs, geothermal fields, and lagoons in the Atacama Desert and Andes high planes. Analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates showed a close genetic similarity (98–100%) with microorganisms of the genera Parageobacillus, Geobacillus, Anoxybacillus, and Aeribacillus. Notably, these thermophiles exhibited significant hydrolytic enzyme activity, particularly amylases, lipases, and proteases. These findings underscore the potential of using these thermophilic bacterial strains as an invaluable source of thermozymes with wide-ranging applications in diverse industries, such as detergent formulations, pharmaceutical processing, and food technology. This research highlights the ecological significance of these extreme environments in the Atacama Desert and Andes high plains, which serve as vital ecological niches housing extremophilic bacteria as a genetic source of relevant thermozymes, promising great potential for innovation in the biotechnology industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New trends in maintenance techniques are oriented to digitization and prognosis. The new electronic devices based on IoT (Internet of Things) technology among others that support the industry 4.0 paradigm let enhance the traditional condition monitoring techniques to better understand and predict the state of a machine in service. Related to maintenance applications, one of the important steps in condition monitoring tasks for fault diagnosis is the selection of the optimal pattern to provide accurate results (avoiding fault positives/negatives) with adequate computation time. When implementing this, the selection of optimal parameters and thresholds for setting alarms are important to detect problems in the machine before the failure occurs. Vibratory signals have been proved to be a good variable to determine their mechanical behavior. Nevertheless, parameters obtained from time domain measurements are not computationally efficient nor good patterns to compare different machine conditions. In this sense, tools that represent the frequency domain or time–frequency domain have been useful to detect defects in rotating elements such as bearings. In this work, defects in ball bearings are studied using wavelet packet transform. For this, a methodology will be developed for the optimal selection of the mother wavelet, incorporating intelligent classification systems, and using a medium Gaussian support vector machine model. In this way, it will be verified that the correct selection of this function influences both the results and the ease and reliability of detection. The results using the selected mother wavelet will be compared to those using Daubechies 6, since it is the mother wavelet that has been used in previous works and which was selected based on experience. For it, vibratory signals are obtained from a testbench with different bearing conditions: healthy bearings and defective bearings (inner and outer race). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of depression sufferers is rising globally. In the United States, 8% of adults over 20 years of age suffer from it, making it the most prevalent mental disorder in the country. Some lifestyle habits have been shown to favor or prevent the onset of depression; for instance, physical inactivity is associated with an increased likelihood of suffering depression, whilst multiple benefits have been attributed to performing physical activity (PA). This study aims to test whether there is a dependence between the prevalence of depression and PA, age, gender and educational level. The secondary objective was to identify the differentiating variables for depression and non-depression. This cross-sectional study is based on data from the NHANES 2013–2014, 2015–2016 and 2017–2018 editions. Some of the items in this survey were taken from preexisting questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression screening and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) for the PA groups. The final sample was formed of 15,574 United States residents over 18 years old. After testing the data normality (p < 0.001), a descriptive analysis and the non-parametric chi-square test was conducted, as well as discriminant analysis. The results showed that there was an association between depression prevalence and PA (p < 0.001) in the general population and for both genders. Inactive participants had the highest prevalence of major depression and other depressive disorders. The discriminant analysis identified PA group (0.527), education level (0.761) and gender (−0.505) as significant variables that differentiate between participants with and without depression. The results of this research confirmed that a dependency relationship between PA group according to the GPAQ and depression prevalence according to the PHQ-9 existed in the United States adult population, and that PA group is a relevant variable to differentiate between depression sufferers and non-sufferers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Cryopreservation generates ice recrystallization. D. antarctica apoplastic proteins show antifreeze activity. PMI of S. salar sperm can be maintained with AFPs. High MMP of sperm increases with AFPs. D. antarctica apoplastic proteins act as nonpermeable cryoprotectants. Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are natural biomolecules found in cold-adapted organisms that lower the freezing point of water, allowing survival in icy conditions. These proteins have the potential to improve cryopreservation techniques by enhancing the quality of genetic material postthaw. Deschampsia antarctica, a freezing-tolerant plant, possesses AFPs and is a promising candidate for cryopreservation applications. In this study, we investigated the cryoprotective properties of AFPs from D. antarctica extracts on Atlantic salmon spermatozoa. Apoplastic extracts were used to determine ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI), thermal hysteresis (TH) activities and ice crystal morphology. Spermatozoa were cryopreserved using a standard cryoprotectant medium (C+) and three alternative media supplemented with apoplastic extracts. Flow cytometry was employed to measure plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) postthaw. Results showed that a low concentration of AFPs (0.05 mg/mL) provided significant IRI activity. Apoplastic extracts from D. antarctica demonstrated a cryoprotective effect on salmon spermatozoa, with PMI comparable to the standard medium. Moreover, samples treated with apoplastic extracts exhibited a higher percentage of cells with high MMP. These findings represent the first and preliminary report that suggests that AFPs derived from apoplastic extracts of D. antarctica have the potential to serve as cryoprotectants and could allow the development of novel freezing media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chile, edible herbs are mainly grown by small farmers. This type of horticultural crop typically requires intensive management because it is highly susceptible to insects, some of which transmit viruses that severely affect crop yield and quality. In 2019, in coriander plants tested negative for all previously reported viruses, RNA-Seq analysis of one symptomatic plant revealed a plethora of viruses, including one virus known to infect coriander, five viruses never reported in coriander, and a new cytorhabdovirus with a 14,180 nucleotide RNA genome for which the species name Cytorhabdovirus coriandrum was proposed. Since all the detected viruses were aphid-borne, aphids and weeds commonly growing around the coriander field were screened for viruses. The results showed the occurrence of the same seven viruses and the alfalfa mosaic virus, another aphid-borne virus, in aphids and weeds. Together, our findings document the presence of multiple viruses in coriander and the potential role of weeds as virus reservoirs for aphid acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Galaxias maculatus plays an important ecological and socioeconomic role in Chile. We determine the sex ratio, sexual maturity stages, gonadosomatic index, spawning period, type and frequency of spawning, and fecundity under experimental culture. The sex ratio was close to 1:1. First sexual maturity was reached at one year of age in 50% of the population. The highest GSI in both females and males was found in August. Nevertheless, females have a long spawning period, divided into two subperiods; the highest reproductive peak occurs between September and October, and the minor peak occurs between December and February. The females spawned between 3 and 10 times over a period of two months. The number of embryos per female per day varied from 1 to 429, while the total number of embryos per female during the entire season varied from 163 to 1044. This knowledge will be useful to establish future reproductive programs in captivity as a strategy for sustainable fishery and aquaculture management. This study determines the reproductive patterns of puye (Galaxias maculatus) under culture conditions. A population of 567 wild fish was caught in the Cautín River, Chile, and held in captivity for four years. Mortality, sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (GSI), sexual maturity stages, spawning period, type and frequency of spawning, and fecundity were measured. The fish grew throughout the experimental period, with the fastest rate during the first half of the first year of life. The highest mortality occurred during the first three months of the experiment and during the spawning season. The sex ratio was almost 1:1 (female:male). First sexual maturity was reached at one year of age, with an average weight of 0.85 ± 0.01 g, total length of 4.85 ± 0.16 cm, and condition factor 0.0074. The highest GSI in both females (12.14 ± 0.74) and males (17.7 ± 2.70) was recorded in August. Nevertheless, the females spawned 3 to 10 times between September and February, with the highest reproductive peak between September and October. The number of embryos per female per day varied from 1 to 429, while the total number of embryos per female during the entire season evaluated varied from 163 to 1044. There was a high correlation (r = 0.82) between absolute fecundity and body weight. Although further studies are needed in this field, these results are basic for establishing future reproductive programs in captivity as a strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the effect that different tDCS protocols have on pain processing in healthy people, assessed using quantitative sensory tests (QST) and evoked pain intensity. Methods: We systematically searched in EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, PEDro, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. Articles on tDCS on a healthy population and regarding QST, such as pressure pain thresholds (PPT), heat pain thresholds (HPT), cold pain threshold (CPT), or evoked pain intensity were selected. Quality was analyzed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and PEDro scale. Results: Twenty-six RCTs were included in the qualitative analysis and sixteen in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in PPTs between tDCS and sham, but differences were observed when applying tDCS over S1 in PPTs compared to sham. Significant differences in CPTs were observed between tDCS and sham over DLPFC and differences in pain intensity were observed between tDCS and sham over M1. Non-significant effects were found for the effects of tDCS on HPTs. Conclusion: tDCS anodic over S1 stimulation increases PPTs, while a-tDCS over DLPFC affects CPTs. The HPTs with tDCS are worse. Finally, M1 a-tDCS seems to reduce evoked pain intensity in healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common chronic dizziness disorder with an unclear pathophysiology. It is hypothesized that PPPD may involve disrupted spatial cognition processes as a core feature. (2) Methods: A cohort of 19 PPPD patients underwent psycho-cognitive testing, including assessments for anxiety, depression, memory, attention, planning, and executive functions, with an emphasis on spatial navigation via a virtual Morris water maze. These patients were compared with 12 healthy controls and 20 individuals with other vestibular disorders but without PPPD. Vestibular function was evaluated using video head impulse testing and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, while brain magnetic resonance imaging was used to exclude confounding pathology. (3) Results: PPPD patients demonstrated unique impairments in allocentric spatial navigation (as evidenced by the virtual Morris water maze) and in other high-demand visuospatial cognitive tasks that involve executive functions and planning, such as the Towers of London and Trail Making B tests. A factor analysis highlighted spatial navigation and advanced visuospatial functions as being central to PPPD, with a strong correlation to symptom severity. (4) Conclusions: PPPD may broadly impair higher cognitive functions, especially in spatial cognition. We discuss a disruption in the creation of enriched cognitive spatial maps as a possible pathophysiology for PPPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cetaceans, including beluga whales, are known for their unique habits and behaviors that they display within their social groups, such as group-specific tactics or vocalizations. One of the questions that has attracted the attention of researchers is whether these behaviors are learned socially, i.e., from other members of their group. In this study, we investigate the ability of a young beluga to learn and reproduce new behaviors by observing another beluga perform them. The beluga was trained to respond to the command "Do this" so that it would imitate what it had observed in another beluga whale. The results show how it was able to copy both familiar behaviors (known and previously performed) and novel behaviors (actions it had never seen or performed before) in response to the "copy" signal. This study is the first evidence of this "true imitation" (copying novel actions) ability in this species and shows that these animals can acquire new skills through this process. This ability, which is quite rare in the animal kingdom, helps us to understand how these marine mammals survive and thrive in their natural habitats and how they pass on vital information about where to live, migrate, and find food. Cetaceans are well known for their unique behavioral habits, such as calls and tactics. The possibility that these are acquired through social learning continues to be explored. This study investigates the ability of a young beluga whale to imitate novel behaviors. Using a do-as-other-does paradigm, the subject observed the performance of a conspecific demonstrator involving familiar and novel behaviors. The subject: (1) learned a specific 'copy' command; (2) copied 100% of the demonstrator's familiar behaviors and accurately reproduced two out of three novel actions; (3) achieved full matches on the first trial for a subset of familiar behaviors; and (4) demonstrated proficiency in coping with each familiar behavior as well as the two novel behaviors. This study provides the first experimental evidence of a beluga whale's ability to imitate novel intransitive (non-object-oriented) body movements on command. These results contribute to our understanding of the remarkable ability of cetaceans, including dolphins, orcas, and now beluga whales, to engage in multimodal imitation involving sounds and movements. This ability, rarely documented in non-human animals, has significant implications for the development of survival strategies, such as the acquisition of knowledge about natal philopatry, migration routes, and traditional feeding areas, among these marine mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the causal agents of bacterial canker is Pseudomonas amygdali pv. morsprunorum—Pam (formerly Pseudomonas syringae pv. morsprunorum). Recently detected in Chile, Pam is known to cause lesions in the aerial parts of the plant, followed by more severe symptoms such as cankers and gummosis in the later stages of the disease. This study presents the design of PCR and LAMP detection methods for the specific and sensitive identification of Pseudomonas amygdali pv. morsprunorum (Pam) from cherry trees. Twelve Pseudomonas isolates were collected, sequenced, and later characterized by Multi-locus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) and Average Nucleotide Identity by blast (ANIb). Three of them (11116B2, S1 Pam, and S2 Pam) were identified as Pseudomonas amygdali pv. morsprunorum and were used to find specific genes through RAST server, by comparing their genome with that of other Pseudomonas, including isolates from other Pam strains. The effector gene HopAU1 was selected for the design of primers to be used for both techniques, evaluating sensitivity and specificity, and the ability to detect Pam directly from plant tissues. While the PCR detection limit was 100 pg of purified bacterial DNA per reaction, the LAMP assays were able to detect up to 1 fg of purified DNA per reaction. Similar results were observed using plant tissues, LAMP being more sensitive than PCR, including when using DNA extracted from infected plant tissues. Both detection methods were tested in the presence of 30 other bacterial genera, with LAMP being more sensitive than PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genioplasty as an isolated surgical technique is a highly demanded procedure in the maxillofacial surgery area. Advances in facial reconstructive surgery have been associated with less morbidity and more predictable results. In this paper, "conventional" genioplasty and genioplasty by means of virtual surgical planning (VSP), CAD-CAM cutting guides, and patient custom-made plates are compared. Methods: A descriptive observational study was designed and implemented, and 43 patients were treated, differentiating two groups according to the technique: 18 patients were treated by conventional surgery, and 25 patients were treated through virtual surgical planning (VSP), CAD-CAM cutting guides, STL models, and titanium patient-specific plates. Results: The operation time ranged from 35 to 107 min. The mean operative time in the conventional group was 60.06 + 3.74 min.; in the custom treatment group it was 42.24 + 1.29 min (p < 0.001). The difference between planned and obtained chin changes in cases of advancement or retrusion was not statistically significant (p = 0.125; p = 0.216). In cases of chin rotation due to asymmetry, guided and personalized surgery was superior to conventional surgery (p < 0.01). The mean hospital stay was equal in both groups. A decrease in surgical complications was observed in the group undergoing VSP and customized treatment. Conclusions: Multi-stage implementation of VSP with CAD-CAM cutting guides, STL models, and patient-specific plates increased the accuracy of the genioplasty surgery, particularly in cases of chin asymmetry, reducing operation time and potential complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to check the efficacy and safety of a novel tear substitute containing hyaluronic acid and low-dose hydrocortisone in the treatment of moderate dry eye disease. Methods: In this prospective randomized study, 38 patients with moderate dry eye disease were divided into two treatment groups: Group 1 received one drop of 0.2% sodium hyaluronate and 0.001% hydrocortisone four times daily for 3 months, while Group 2 received 0.15% sodium hyaluronate and 3% trehalose at the same dosage. OSDI and SANDE questionnaires, Non-Invasive Break-Up time (NIBUT), Tear Meniscus Height (TMH), meibography, Lipid Layer Thickness (LLT), Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Corneal Staining Score (CFS), and Intraocular Pressure (IOP) were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment. Results: During the treatment period, Group 1 showed statistically significant improvement in OSDI score (p = 0.002), SANDE score (p = 0.01), NIBUT (p < 0.0001), LLT (p < 0.0001), TBUT (p = 0.01), and CFS (p = 0.02). In Group 2, significant improvement was observed only in the TBUT score (p < 0.05). Comparison of the two groups showed that NIBUT and LLT were significantly different at the end of treatment (p = 0.001 for both comparisons), with more favorable results for sodium hyaluronate and hydrocortisone than for sodium hyaluronate and trehalose. No significant variations in intraocular pressure were observed in either group during the treatment period (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The study confirms that a 3-months treatment with hyaluronic acid 0.2% in combination with low-dose hydrocortisone 0.001% improves the signs and symptoms of moderate DED and that a low-dosage 0.001% hydrocortisone can be helpful in preventing the progression to chronic stages of DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electrodermal activity (EDA) serves as a prominent biosignal for assessing sympathetic activation across various scenarios. Prior research has suggested a connection between EDA and fluctuations in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its precise utility in reliably detecting these fluctuations has remained unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of both basic and advanced analyses of EDA changes in identifying the transition to the ON state following dopaminergic medication administration in individuals with PD. Methods: In this observational study, 19 individuals with PD were enrolled. EDA was continuously recorded using the Empatica E4 device, worn on the wrist, during the transition from the OFF state to the ON state following levodopa intake. The raw EDA signal underwent preprocessing and evaluation through three distinct approaches. A logistic regression model was constructed to assess the significance of variables predicting the ON/OFF state, and support vector machine (SVM) models along with various Neural Network (NN) configurations were developed for accurate state prediction. Results: Differences were identified between the ON and OFF states in both the time and frequency domains, as well as through the utilization of convex optimization techniques. SVM and NN models demonstrated highly promising results in effectively distinguishing between the OFF and ON states. Conclusions: Evaluating sympathetic activation changes via EDA measures holds substantial promise for detecting non-motor fluctuations in PD. The SVM algorithm, in particular, yields precise outcomes for predicting these non-motor fluctuation states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Anaphylaxis is a rapid-onset, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction. This study explores the epidemiological trends and clinical outcomes of adult patients with and without asthma hospitalized for anaphylaxis in Spain from 2016 to 2021. (2) Methods: Data from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (RAE-CMBD) were analyzed. We stratified patients with anaphylaxis based on their asthma diagnosis and evaluated various comorbidities and clinical outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to match confounders. (3) Results: The total number of hospitalizations for anaphylaxis remained stable, with a decrease in 2020 probably due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug-induced anaphylaxis increased, in addition to being the main triggering factor. Asthma prevalence among those admitted for anaphylaxis emerged from 7.63% to 10.69%, with a higher frequency of respiratory failure and need for mechanical ventilation in this group; despite this, ICU admissions and in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Asthma was also not a risk factor for severe anaphylaxis. Multivariable analysis identified advanced age, ischemic heart disease, acute respiratory failure, and invasive mechanical ventilation as factors associated with severe anaphylaxis. (4) Conclusions: This study provides valuable information on the complexity of anaphylaxis, its relationship with asthma, and factors influencing its severity. Overall, clinical outcomes did not differ significantly in asthmatic patients compared to non-asthmatic patients, although asthmatic patients had more respiratory complications. Further research is necessary to delve deeper into the multifactorial nature of anaphylaxis and its implications in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agri-food system needs to transition into a more balanced system that takes into account economic, social, and environmental factors. Young people are a key demographic group to consider as they are open to new trends of consumption, including sustainable buying practices. Public universities can play a significant role in promoting sustainable and healthy eating habits among students. In this paper, we focus on the perceptions of young people regarding sustainable food in the Madrid Region. We conducted a survey using a questionnaire-based approach among 1940 students in 2022. The results highlight that young consumers are highly concerned about food sustainability. They perceive sustainability as local and non-processed foods. However, this perception varies among young consumers, and we identified five different consumer profiles. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis provide insights into potential actions that universities can take to promote sustainable and healthy eating habits among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: We analyzed the association between atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AF) and in-hospital mortality (IHM) among patients who underwent solid organ transplants in Spain from 2004 to 2021. (2) Methods: We gathered information from all hospital admissions for lung, liver, kidney, and heart transplants. (3) Results: A total of 71,827 transplants were analyzed (4598 lung transplants; 18,127 liver transplants; 45,262 kidney transplants; and 4734 heart transplants). One third of these were for women. Overall, the prevalence of AF was 6.8% and increased from 5.3% in 2004–2009 to 8.6% in 2016–2021. The highest prevalence of AF was found for heart transplants (24.0%), followed by lung transplants (14.7%). The rates for kidney and liver transplants were 5.3% and 4.1%, respectively. The AF code increased over time for all of the transplants analyzed (p < 0.001). The patients' IHM decreased significantly from 2004–2009 to 2016–2021 for all types of transplants. AF was associated with a higher IHM for all of the types of transplants analyzed, except for heart transplants. (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of AF among patients admitted for solid organ transplants was highest for those who underwent heart transplants. The mortality rate during the patients' admission for lung, liver, kidney, or heart transplants decreased over time. AF was independently associated with a higher risk of dying in the hospital for those who underwent lung, liver, or kidney transplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) is responsible for substantial loss to the production of sweet cherry in Chile. To date, the molecular mechanisms of the Pss–sweet cherry interaction and the disease-related genes in the plant are poorly understood. In order to gain insight into these aspects, a transcriptomic analysis of the sweet cherry cultivar 'Lapins' for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to Pss inoculation was conducted. Three Pss strains, A1M3, A1M197, and 11116_b1, were inoculated in young twigs, and RNA was extracted from tissue samples at the inoculation site and distal sections. RNA sequencing and transcriptomic expression analysis revealed that the three strains induced different patterns of responses in local and distal tissues. In the local tissues, A1M3 triggered a much more extensive response than the other two strains, enriching DEGs especially involved in photosynthesis. In the distal tissues, the three strains triggered a comparable extent of responses, among which 11116_b1 induced a group of DEGs involved in defense responses. Furthermore, tissues from various inoculations exhibited an enrichment of DEGs related to carbohydrate metabolism, terpene metabolism, and cell wall biogenesis. This study opened doors to future research on the Pss–sweet cherry interaction, immunity responses, and disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This editorial explores the relationship between railways and sustainable tourism, with a focus on the potential for digital transformation to enhance this sector. It emphasizes the environmental benefits of railways as a mode of transportation and their ability to provide scenic experiences. The article also discusses the use of digital technologies in documenting and enhancing cultural heritage associated with railways. It mentions the RailToLand project, which aimed to communicate European Cultural Landscapes through trains and involved several European institutions. The editorial concludes by summarizing three contributions from the Special Issue, which cover topics such as the use of innovative technologies in tourism, optimizing slow tourism routes, and the role of nature-oriented tourism in revitalization strategies. The text also discusses two specific contributions related to sustainable tourism and heritage railways, which propose a GIS mapping method to create slow-tourism routes and evaluate the heritage value of a mountain railway line in Romania. Both contributions aim to enhance sustainable tourism and involve the local community as stakeholders. The document includes a list of other related contributions and references for further reading. [Extracted from the article]

An assessment of the performance of FireFOAM in simulating a large-scale compartment fire scenario is presented in this study, using the Edinburgh Tall Building Fire Test I (2017) as the basis for evaluation. Different mesh geometries and sizes are tested, and both theory-based and experiment-based validation approaches are employed. The theory-based validation revealed that the implemented finite volumes method is generally conservative, but unaccounted deviations of up to 20% for the heat release rate were observed due to errors in numerically modelling subgrid phenomena, particularly with tetrahedral meshes. In the experiment-based validation, the simulated data showed good agreement with experimental measurements for flow patterns inside the compartment, neutral plane height, and temperatures outside the ceiling jet. However, there were relatively large errors in incident radiation in the hot gas zone, thermal boundary layer transient temperatures, and compartment inflow/outflow velocities. Systematic errors were attributed to deficient heat transfer boundary conditions and under-estimated air entrainment. The study also identified ways to improve run-time efficiency by implementing parallel processing or reducing solid angles in FVDOM, although using large meshes (30 cm and 40 cm cell size) resulted in faster run-times at the cost of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]