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Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, with exposure to UVB radiation being a significant risk factor for its development. To prevent skin cancer, continuous research efforts have focused on finding suitable photoprotective ingredients from natural sources that are also environmentally friendly. This study aimed to develop oil-in-water photoprotective nanoemulsions containing marine macroalgae extract. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to identify the most promising formulation composition, resulting in optimal physical properties. These properties, including droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential, were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). To assess the photoprotection capacity of the formulations, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to evaluate alterations in the electrical characteristics of excised pig skin membranes placed in Franz cells equipped with a 4-electrode set-up. The final composition of the nanoemulsion was caprylic/capric triglycerides 4%, Macrogolglycerol ricinoleate 30%, and algae extract 1%. The nanoemulsions had an average droplet size of 128.5 ± 8.6 nm, a PDI of 0.25 ± 0.06, and a zeta potential of 45.14 ± 0.02 mV. Compared to the control group, the photoprotective capacity of the oil-in-water nanoemulsions was statistically significant. Specifically, only a 15% reduction in the skin membrane electrical resistance following UVB exposure was observed when the formulation containing algae extract was used, whereas a 50% reduction was observed for the vehicle. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the developed nanoemulsions based on natural ingredients show promising protective capacity against UVB exposure of the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of contaminants in water has been of great concern worldwide, as it causes health risks to living organisms and general deterioration of the environment. Therefore, their elimination is essential. In the present study, rice husk (BRH) and wild sugarcane (BWS) biochars obtained by gasification were evaluated for their use as sorbents of malachite green dye (MG) and arsenite [As (III)] in aqueous solution. The chemical composition and physical structure of the two biochars were characterized by various techniques, including elemental analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, FTIR, and Z potential. In addition, the adsorbate removal rate was determined using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Batch sorption studies were carried out to remove arsenite and MG from aqueous solutions, considering the operating parameters such as initial solution pH, temperature, contact time, concentration, and temperature. The results showed that 120 min contact time is enough to reach sorption equilibrium. The percent removal of BRH and BWS to MG was 61.99% and 97.46%, respectively, while for arsenite, it was 82.79% and 82.36%, respectively. The kinetic analysis concluded that the sorption process predominantly followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for both case studies since the R2 value is approximately one. The sorption capacity calculated based on this model fitted better with the sorption capacity experimental. Finally, it was demonstrated that BRH and BWS biochars obtained as a by-product of rice husk and wild sugarcane gasification could be used as low-cost sorbent materials to remove MG dye and arsenite from an aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the companies that make commercial use of bamboo culms produce different kinds of solid waste rich in lignocellulosic biomass, which in some cases is not used and is discarded in landfills or incinerated in the open air; losing the possibility of recovering them and using them in other productive sectors. The research objective were to produce a biochar from Guadua agustifolia Kunth sawdust, evaluate its potential environmental and agricultural use, obtain a biochar/TiO2 composite to inactivate Escherichia coli and use the biochar as a soil conditioner in medicinal plants producing phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Biochar composite (produced at 300 °C for 1 h) involved TiO2 at 450 °C for 1 h for inactivation of E. coli (initial concentration: 6.5 ± 0.3 Log10 CFU mL− 1). For agriculture, 2% biochar was used to evaluate B. pilosa L. and G. angustifolia plant growth for 90 days. The biochar/TiO2 composite had a high photocatalytic activity on E. coli, generating a final count of 1.97 ± 0.2 Log10 CFU mL− 1 after 60 min. Biochar (2%) increased the total phenol and flavonoid content in the medicinal plant B. pilosa L. and total phenols in G. angustifolia, tested at the nursery stage. This study provides new information on the conversion and use of G. angustifolia sawdust as an alternative for new bio-based materials with environmental and agricultural applications. In addition, obtaining biochar and composite could positively impact the bamboo production chain in Colombia because of renewable and globally accepted alternatives that help capture gaseous emissions causing the greenhouse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on terrain conditions is a prerequisite for planning environmentally and economically sustainable forest harvesting operations that avoid negative impact on soils. Current soil data are coarse, and collecting such data with traditional methods is expensive. Forest harvesters can be harnessed to estimate the rolling resistance coefficient ( μ RR ), which is a proxy for forest trafficability. Using spatio-temporal data on engine power used, speed travelled, and machine inclination, μ RR can be computed for harvest areas. This study describes an extensive, high-resolution data on μ RR collected in a boreal forest landscape in Southern Finland during the non-frost period of 2021, covering roughly 50 km of harvester routes. We report improvements in removing some of the previous restrictions on calculating μ RR on steeper slopes, enabling the calculation within a - 10 ∘ to + 10 ∘ slope range with a speed range of 0.6–1.2 ms - 1 . We characterise the variation in μ RR both between and within 11 test sites harvested during the April-August period. The site mean μ RR varies from ∼ 0.14 to 0.19 and shows significant differences between the sites. Using simulations of the hydrological state of the soil and open spatial data on forest and topography, we identify features that best explain the extremes of μ RR within the sites. Several wetness-related indices, such as the depth-to-water index with varying thresholds, explain the μ RR extremes, while biomass-related stand attributes indirectly explain these through their linkage to site and soil characteristics. Obtaining μ RR from actual operational data extends the capabilities of large-scale harvester-based data collection and paves the way for building data-driven models for trafficability prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments are a main component of the coral reef framework, which are composed by calcareous bioclasts, non-skeletal carbonates, and terrigenous siliciclasts. Extensive work has been done to determine the bioclast composition of the coral reefs in the Western Tropical Atlantic. Notwithstanding, the sediment composition of coral reefs in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico, which are influenced by fluvial discharge, remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the bioclast composition of the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico reefs, and their differences to the reefs of the Mexican Caribbean, and those of the Western Tropical Atlantic. Surface sediment samples were collected at the reef flat zone of ten coral reefs in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean. From the results it can be concluded that the clast composition of reef sediments is the result of several processes with high spatio-temporal variability. Terrigenous siliciclasts are an important component of reef sediments in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The clast composition of the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico (Scleractinia > Aggregates > Halimeda > CCA > Gastropoda), is different to that of the Mexican Caribbean and the Western Tropical Atlantic reefs. Applying statistical multivariate analyses, we found that four groups of reefs differ in their clast composition, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and Florida dominated by Halimeda, the Bahamas with non-skeletal clasts as the most abundant, and the fourth group formed by the fringing reefs of Roatan, and some other localities, with Scleractinians as the dominant clast. Also, clast composition differs between oceanic reefs (Halimeda-dominated), nearshore reefs (Scleractinia-dominated), and carbonate platforms (abiotic clasts dominated). In average the most abundant bioclasts in the Western Tropical Atlantic reefs are Scleractinians > Halimeda > Mollusks > non-skeletal clasts > calcareous macroalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night (ALAN) changes animal behavior in multiple invertebrates and vertebrates and can result in decreased fitness. However, ALAN effects have not been studied in European honey bees (Apis mellifera), an important pollinator in which foragers show strong circadian rhythmicity. Colonies can be exposed to ALAN in swarm clusters, when bees cluster outside the nest on hot days and evenings, and, in limited cases, when they build nests in the open. We captured and maintained foragers in incubated cages and subjected them to constant light (LL), constant dark (DD), or 12 h light:12 h dark (LD) cycle, and observed them with infrared cameras. After 79 h, there was a significant interaction of treatment and time because LL bees slept less. In detail, the bees maintained a regular sleep pattern for three days but LL bees showed a shift on the fourth day. LL bees had the largest sleep differences from LD controls, with trends of lengthened periods and increased phase misalignment from both LD and DD bees. LL bees also experienced significantly more disturbances from their nestmates and preferred to sleep in the lower portion of the cages, which had significantly lower light intensity. These findings suggest that ALAN can disrupt the sleep of honey bee foragers, which has implications for their behavior and overall colony health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acne is a one of the most frequent skin conditions among teenagers and young adults. It is currently managed with topical retinoids and antibiotics, which can present numerous side effects, thus reducing treatment adherence and effectiveness. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a novel dermo-cosmetic cream (α-AZ) in treating mild to moderate acne. Methods: Subjects were randomized into three groups: group 1 received α-AZ cream, group 2 was treated with α-AZ combined with an oral acne treatment routine, and group 3 received a topical acne treatment, for 84 days. All treated patients underwent a 28-day maintenance period with α-AZ cream. Total acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) scoring, quality of life (QoL), and skin tolerance were all evaluated during the treatment and maintenance periods. Results: Acne and PIH lesions significantly decreased in group 1 compared to group 3 (p < 0.001), with a reduction in acne of 66.52 ± 2.92% in group 1 versus 52.55 ± 3.90% in group 3. Patients in group 1 achieved nearly clear skin by the end of the treatment. α-AZ cream treatment was well tolerated and all participants experienced an enhanced QoL. Participants expressed high satisfaction. Additional enhancements in all groups were noted during the maintenance phase across all clinical parameters. Conclusion: The novel dermo-cosmetic α-AZ cream could serve as a valuable new approach to current treatments for mild and moderate acne. It can be used alone, as a once-daily adjuvant to oral acne treatments, or as part of a maintenance regimen. Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN70142596, registered retrospectively on 11/12/2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS) characterized by pathogenic variants in the FA/BRCA DNA repair pathway genes. Individuals with FA have an elevated risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the most effective treatment for FA related bone marrow failure but can increase the risk of cancer development. Information on benign tumors and NMSC is lacking in patients with FA. Our objective was to characterize patients with FA enrolled in the National Cancer Institute IBMFS Study who have experienced non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and/or benign tumors (BT). A total of 200 patients diagnosed with FA were enrolled in the Institutional Review Board approved study "Etiologic Investigation of Cancer Susceptibility in IBMFS: A Natural History Study" (NCT00027274). Through medical records review, we identified 30 patients with at least one NMSC, either squamous or basal cell carcinoma, or benign tumor. The remaining 170 patients comprised the control group. Out of 200 patients, 12 had NMSC, 25 had benign tumors, with an age range of 11–64 and 0–56 years, respectively. The median age at HCT was 30.5 years for NMSC patients, 9 years for benign tumor patients, and 9.1 years for controls. The most common genotype observed was FANCA, followed by FANCC and FANCI. Benign tumors spanned diverse anatomical locations. Early onset NMSC in patients with FA compared to the general population emphasizes the need for consistent monitoring in patients with FA, while the diverse anatomical locations of benign tumors underscore the importance of comprehensive surveillance for timely interventions in managing symptomatology and heightened cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent brain temperature effects of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM). Thirty adult subjects with major depressive disorder were randomized to three t-PBM sessions with different doses (low: 50 mW/cm2, medium: 300 mW/cm2, high: 850 mW/cm2) and a sham treatment. The low and medium doses were administered in continuous wave mode, while the high dose was administered in pulsed wave mode. A 3T MRI scanner was used to perform proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). A voxel with a volume of 30 × 30 × 15 mm3 was placed on the left prefrontal region. Brain temperature (°C) was derived by analyzing 1H-MRS spectrum chemical shift differences between the water (~ 4.7 ppm) and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) (~ 2.01 ppm) peaks. After quality control of the data, the following group numbers were available for both pre- and post-temperature estimations: sham (n = 10), low (n = 11), medium (n = 10), and high (n = 8). We did not detect significant temperature differences for any t-PBM-active or sham groups post-irradiation (p-value range = 0.105 and 0.781). We also tested for potential differences in the pre-post variability of brain temperature in each group. As for t-PBM active groups, the lowest fluctuation (variance) was observed for the medium dose (σ2 = 0.29), followed by the low dose (σ2 = 0.47), and the highest fluctuation was for the high dose (σ2 = 0.67). t-PBM sham condition showed the overall lowest fluctuation (σ2 = 0.11). Our 1H-MRS thermometry results showed no significant brain temperature elevations during t-PBM administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Facial feminization may be performed to alleviate gender dysphoria among transfeminine patients. The upper third of the face has several characteristics, including hairline shape and position, brow position, and forehead protrusion, that may confer feminine identity. The purpose of this study is to conduct a scoping literature review of techniques performed for forehead feminization and to additionally study clinical outcomes within an institutional cohort. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to review articles that discussed techniques and clinical outcomes associated with procedures performed for feminization of the upper third of the face. A retrospective review of patients undergoing such procedures by the senior author was then conducted. Variables collected included demographic factors, operative details, and postoperative outcomes such as complications, revisions, and re-operations. Results: Initial review yielded sixty-seven articles. Title and abstract review followed by standardized application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in a total of twenty-two studies for analysis. Priorities of forehead feminization entail frontal bossing reduction, frontonasal angle widening, orbital contouring, brow lifting, and hairline advancement. Eighty-five patients were included for analysis. The majority were of Caucasian race (56%) and had type 3 forehead classification (92%). The average planned setback of the anterior table was 4.12 mm. Conclusions: The core tenets of the feminization of the forehead lie in the overall creation of a harmonic curvature of the forehead with other facial features. Our multi-pronged analysis presents an updated review of these principles, which may help plastic surgeons in performing procedures to feminize the upper third of the face. Level of Evidence III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease associated with its principal tick vector, Hyalomma spp. with increasing fatal incidence worldwide. Accordingly, CCHF is a World Health Organization-prioritized disease with the absence of effective preventive interventions and approved vaccines or effective treatments. This perspective raised from a multidisciplinary gap analysis considering a One Health approach beneficial for human and animal health and the environment exploring international collaborations, gaps and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Child care quality rating and improvement systems exist to inform child care decisions and improve the quality of care. While previous research has shown QRIS have effects on quality, less is known about how child care providers vary in engagement and improvement within QRIS. In a voluntary QRIS, it is important to understand how providers vary in motivation, engagement, and progress within the system. Objective: Identify provider characteristics and attitudes that predict QRIS quality advancement. Identify and describe provider subgroups whose rates of quality improvement were different. Method: A random sample of providers (N = 179) and their coaches were interviewed five times over 2 years. The outcome was change in QRIS levels. Predictors were type of care, personal/professional characteristics, QRIS motivation, and coach perceptions of provider motivation and likelihood to advance. Linear regression was used to model change in QRIS level over five time points. Latent profile analysis was used to sort providers into classes. Results: Significant overall predictors of QRIS change were providers' education level and fewer years of experience, and coach's perception of the provider's likelihood to advance. Four subgroups in the latent profile analysis varied by rate of advancement, type of care, education, experience, professional engagement, QRIS motivation, and general readiness to change. Conclusions: Results point to the importance of assessing early and continuing attitudes, engagement, professionalization, and education of participating child care providers. The incentives and needs of providers in most QRIS will vary widely. Technical support geared to provider characteristics will be more effective in improving within QRIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bangladesh, Vibrio cholerae lineages are undergoing genomic evolution, with increased virulence and spreading ability. However, our understanding of the genomic determinants influencing lineage transmission and disease severity remains incomplete. Here, we developed a computational framework using machine-learning, genome scale metabolic modelling (GSSM) and 3D structural analysis, to identify V. cholerae genomic traits linked to lineage transmission and disease severity. We analysed in-patients isolates from six Bangladeshi regions (2015-2021), and uncovered accessory genes and core SNPs unique to the most recent dominant lineage, with virulence, motility and bacteriophage resistance functions. We also found a strong correlation between V. cholerae genomic traits and disease severity, with some traits overlapping those driving lineage transmission. GSMM and 3D structure analysis unveiled a complex interplay between transcription regulation, protein interaction and stability, and metabolic networks, associated to lifestyle adaptation, intestinal colonization, acid tolerance and symptom severity. Our findings support advancing therapeutics and targeted interventions to mitigate cholera spread. Cholera continues to cause significant mortality in endemic regions such as Bangladesh where diverse lineages circulate. Here, the authors investigate genomic features that are associated with linage transmission dynamics and disease severity using machine learning, genome-scale metabolic modelling, and 3D structural analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is established as a possibility for the treatment of obesity, allowing weight reduction and remission of obesity comorbidities. Reported suboptimal clinical response rates are as high as 30–60% (insufficient weight loss or gain, defined as BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 or excess weight loss less than 50%). Proximal jejuno-ileal bypass (PJIBP) is a promising option when re-intervention is required. Objectives: To describe the standardization of a proprietary technique of modified PJIBP as a management procedure in patients with post-gastric bypass recurrent weight gain or insufficient post-intervention weight loss. Methods: This study evaluated a case series of 10 Latin American patients requiring post-bariatric re-intervention, between February 2018 and 2023, in a single-metabolic surgery center in Cali-Colombia. Results: Median age was 45 years (26–70 RIC), 60% female, and 40% male. Mean BMI at conversion was 36.7 kg/m2 (6.4 SD). Median follow-up was 22 months (RIC 16–30). Mean percentage of excess weight lost was 78% (22.4 SD). One hundred percent achieved glycemia control, only one patient persisted with dyslipidemia, and no patient presented hypoalbuminemia. At the end of follow-up, 100% received vitamin supplementation. Conclusion: PJIBP could be an effective procedure, associated with positive results in relation to weight loss and resolution of obesity comorbidities. Deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins and protein malnutrition represent the main concern in the long term, so multidisciplinary management and continuous follow-up are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioproduction of short chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) and medium chain carboxylic acids (MCCAs) has emerged as an alternative strategy to upgrade low-value organic waste and reduce fossil fuels requirement. Using synthesis gas (syngas) to generate SCCAs and MCCAs by microbial communities would be an option to address part of the current energy challenge. Syngas fermentation offers a pathway for the sustainable synthesis of fuels and chemicals with advantages over catalytic syngas conversion. In the same way, chain elongation is an anaerobic microbial process driven by ethanol, carbohydrates, and SCCAs (e.g., acetate, lactate) to obtain high-value MCCAs (e.g., caproate, valerate). Because these technologies use organic wastes as feedstocks, mixed microbial communities are often considered biocatalysts. However, the management of microbial communities is the biggest bottleneck for efficient and simultaneous production of SCCAs and MCCAs. Understanding and steering these microbiomes is critical to optimize bioprocess performance. Therefore, this review discusses the metabolic pathways of both syngas fermentation and chain elongation. Also, to examine the overall performance of microbial communities involved in syngas fermentation and chain elongation, the influence of reactor parameters on the growth and metabolic activity of the key microorganisms is presented. The experimental strategies for simultaneous syngas fermentation and chain elongation processes are also presented and discussed. Finally, the use of multi-omics to better understand both syngas fermentation and chain elongation processes is discussed to steer these bioproduction processes towards full-scale applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between agricultural credit and agricultural production as well as the impacts on sustainable development (i.e., poverty alleviation, reduction of inequalities, food and nutrition security, and stimulation of economic growth) have been widely documented. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of credit on cattle production and deforestation in Colombia through spatial panel data models. For this purpose, a departmental data panel for the period 2011–2020 was built, based on available information from public entities. The results suggest that in Colombia, the relationship between access to credit and cattle production is significant and can be either negative or positive. In addition, there is evidence of spatial dependence, meaning that cattle production in one department is being affected by cattle production in a neighboring department or by all the departments that make up the national territory. Regarding deforestation, results show that, although the number of cattle present in a department does affect its annual deforestation rate due to a poor coverage of sustainably intensified cattle ranching systems, there is no relationship between deforestation and the access to credit nor any spatial correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During and after the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the use of personal care products and disinfectants increased in universities worldwide. Among these, quaternary ammonium-based products stand out; these compounds and their intermediates caused substantial changes in the chemical composition of the wastewater produced by these institutions. For this reason, improvements and environmentally sustainable biological alternatives were introduced in the existing treatment systems so that these institutions could continue their research and teaching activities. For this reason, the objective of this study was to develop an improved culture medium to cultivate ammonium oxidising bacteria (AOB) to increase the biomass and use them in the treatment of wastewater produced in a faculty of sciences in Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. A Plackett Burman Experimental Design (PBED) and growth curves served for oligotrophic culture medium, and production conditions improved for the AOB. Finally, these bacteria were used with total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) for wastewater treatment in a pilot plant. Modification of base ammonium broth and culture conditions (6607 mg L−1 of (NH4)2SO4, 84 mg L−1 CaCO3, 40 mg L−1 MgSO4·7H2O, 40 mg L−1 CaCl2·2H2O and 200 mg L−1 KH2PO4, 10% (w/v) inoculum, no copper addition, pH 7.0 ± 0.2, 200 r.p.m., 30 days) favoured the growth of Nitrosomonas europea, Nitrosococcus oceani, and Nitrosospira multiformis with values of 8.23 ± 1.9, 7.56 ± 0.7 and 4.2 ± 0.4 Log10 CFU mL−1, respectively. NO2− production was 0.396 ± 0.0264, 0.247 ± 0.013 and 0.185 ± 0.003 mg L−1 for Nitrosomonas europea, Nitrosococcus oceani and Nitrosospira multiformis. After the 5-day wastewater treatment (WW) by co-inoculating the three studied bacteria in the wastewater (with their self-microorganisms), the concentrations of AOB and THB were 5.92 and 9.3 Log10 CFU mL−1, respectively. These values were related to the oxidative decrease of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), (39.5 mg L−1), Ammonium ion (NH4+), (6.5 mg L−1) Nitrite (NO2−), (2.0 mg L−1) and Nitrate (NO3−), (1.5 mg L−1), respectively in the five days of treatment. It was concluded, with the improvement of a culture medium and production conditions for three AOB through biotechnological strategies at the laboratory scale, being a promising alternative to bio-augment of the biomass of the studied bacteria under controlled conditions that allow the aerobic removal of COD and nitrogen cycle intermediates present in the studied wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacustrine sediment quality indicates the effects of both natural and anthropogenic activities on the ecosystem and communities. Despite its ecological importance, myriad complexities, and potential contaminant sources, the spatial distribution of surficial sediments in Lake Victoria’s Winam Gulf has never been comprehensively documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the spatial distribution, pathways, and ecological risk of metal elements in the lake using a sediment matrix. Sediment samples were collected throughout the gulf in November 2022. The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, U, and Zn were compared to different contamination metrics and ecological risk assessment indices. The average concentrations were in the following decreasing order: Zn > > > Cr > > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd with mean (± SD) of 185 ± 45 mg kg−1, 56 ± 15 mg kg−1, 45 ± 16 mg kg−1, 37 ± 11 mg kg−1, 24 ± 5 mg kg−1, 20 ± 7 mg kg−1, 3.9 ± 1.3 mg kg−1, 0.30 ± 0.09 mg kg−1, respectively, with strong indications of anthropogenic sources. Average concentrations were in the following decreasing order: Zn > > > Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, As, and Cd levels (mean ± SD) were 185 ± 45 mg kg−1, 56 ± 15 mg kg−1, 45 ± 16 mg kg−1, 37 ± 11 mg kg−1, 24 ± 5 mg kg−1, 20 ± 7 mg kg−1, 3.9 ± 1.3 mg kg−1 and 0.30 ± 0.09 mg kg−1 with strong indications of anthropogenic sources. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor categorisation schemes, respectively, classified these as uncontaminated (level 0) and depletion to minimal enrichment (level 1), while the ecological risk analysis classified them as “low risk”. The mouth of the Nyando River, as well as Kisumu, Kendu, and Homa bays, were the most element-enriched and should be prioritised for focused monitoring and remediation. As a result, targeted land management of urban, industrial, transportation, and agricultural areas offers the opportunity to reduce sediment inputs into the lake ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract FGFR3 alterations (mutations or translocation) are among the most frequent genetic events in bladder carcinoma. They lead to an aberrant activation of FGFR3 signaling, conferring an oncogenic dependence, which we studied here. We discovered a positive feedback loop, in which the activation of p38 and AKT downstream from the altered FGFR3 upregulates MYC mRNA levels and stabilizes MYC protein, respectively, leading to the accumulation of MYC, which directly upregulates FGFR3 expression by binding to active enhancers upstream from FGFR3. Disruption of this FGFR3/MYC loop in bladder cancer cell lines by treatment with FGFR3, p38, AKT, or BET bromodomain inhibitors (JQ1) preventing MYC transcription decreased cell viability in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. A relevance of this loop to human bladder tumors was supported by the positive correlation between FGFR3 and MYC levels in tumors bearing FGFR3 mutations, and the decrease in FGFR3 and MYC levels following anti‐FGFR treatment in a PDX model bearing an FGFR3 mutation. These findings open up new possibilities for the treatment of bladder tumors displaying aberrant FGFR3 activation.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a WHO priority pathogen. Antibody-based medical countermeasures offer an important strategy to mitigate severe disease caused by CCHFV. Most efforts have focused on targeting the viral glycoproteins. However, glycoproteins are poorly conserved among viral strains. The CCHFV nucleocapsid protein (NP) is highly conserved between CCHFV strains. Here, we investigate the protective efficacy of a CCHFV monoclonal antibody targeting the NP. We find that an anti-NP monoclonal antibody (mAb-9D5) protected female mice against lethal CCHFV infection or resulted in a significant delay in mean time-to-death in mice that succumbed to disease compared to isotype control animals. Antibody protection is independent of Fc-receptor functionality and complement activity. The antibody bound NP from several CCHFV strains and exhibited robust cross-protection against the heterologous CCHFV strain Afg09-2990. Our work demonstrates that the NP is a viable target for antibody-based therapeutics, providing another direction for developing immunotherapeutics against CCHFV. There are limited treatment options for infection with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in humans. Here, the authors show that a monoclonal antibody targeting the highly conserved viral nucleocapsid protein provides protective effects in a mouse model of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing immune cell interactions in the bone marrow is vital for understanding hematopoiesis and bone homeostasis. Three-dimensional analysis of the complete, intact bone marrow within the cortex of whole long bones remains a challenge, especially at subcellular resolution. We present a method that stabilizes the marrow and provides subcellular resolution of fluorescent signals throughout the murine femur, enabling identification and spatial characterization of hematopoietic and stromal cell subsets. By combining a pre-processing algorithm for stripe artifact removal with a machine-learning approach, we demonstrate reliable cell segmentation down to the deepest bone marrow regions. This reveals age-related changes in the marrow. It highlights the interaction between CX3CR1+ cells and the vascular system in homeostasis, in contrast to other myeloid cell types, and reveals their spatial characteristics after injury. The broad applicability of this method will contribute to a better understanding of bone marrow biology. Three-dimensional analysis of the intact bone marrow within whole long bones remains very challenging. Here, the authors present a method that stabilizes the marrow and provides subcellular resolution of fluorescent signals throughout the murine femur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil microbiome, a crucial component of agricultural ecosystems, plays a pivotal role in crop production and ecosystem functioning. However, its response to traditional tillage systems in potato cultivation in the Peruvian highlands is still far from understood. Here, ecological and functional aspects of the bacterial community were analyzed based on soil samples from two traditional tillage systems: 'chiwa' (minimal tillage) and 'barbecho' (full tillage), in the Huanuco region of the Peruvian central Andes. Similar soil bacterial community composition was shown for minimal tillage system, but it was heterogeneous for full tillage system. This soil bacterial community composition under full tillage system may be attributed to stochastic, and a more dynamic environment within this tillage system. 'Chiwa' and 'barbecho' soils harbored distinct bacterial genera into their communities, indicating their potential as bioindicators of traditional tillage effects. Functional analysis revealed common metabolic pathways in both tillage systems, with differences in anaerobic pathways in 'chiwa' and more diverse pathways in 'barbecho'. These findings open the possibilities to explore microbial bioindicators for minimal and full tillage systems, which are in relationship with healthy soil, and they can be used to propose adequate tillage systems for the sowing of potatoes in Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with the Schwarzschild black holes with quintessence whose geometry is sourced by a magnetic monopole in the context of non-linear electrodynamics. After briefly discussing the timelike geodesics and radial motion, a special attention is given to the Dirac equation. In the massless case, the radial function is expressed in terms of Heun general functions. The outgoing wave solutions are used to compute the Hawking temperatures on the horizons and the corresponding heat capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change and the expanding geographical ranges of key mosquito species, several mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) have recently emerged in Europe. Understanding people's perceptions and behaviours towards these viruses and the mosquitoes capable of transmitting them is crucial for implementing effective prevention measures and targeted communication campaigns. However, there is currently no appropriate validated survey for European populations to assess this. This study developed and validated a standardized survey, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), to assess perceptions of mosquitoes and MBVs among Europe's residents. The survey was distributed online to United Kingdom (UK), Dutch and Spanish participants through panel providers. Survey validity and reliability were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha. The optimised survey was completed by 336 UK, 438 Dutch and 475 Spanish residents, respectively, and the HBM items passed our validity and reliability testing in all three countries. The final survey has 57 questions, including 19 validated HBM items, and questions to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, prevention measures and behavioural determinants. Our MosquitoWise survey bridges researchers' understandings of European residents' perceptions and knowledge as a first step to improve preventive behaviour towards mosquitoes and MBVs and guide prevention and communication initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of Cu ions onto ZnO leads to alterations in the electrical, optical, and magnetic characteristics of ZnO. These transformations, in turn, result in heightened photocatalytic activity and enhanced stability when employed in the degradation of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Here, a novel photocatalytic-adsorbent system is developed using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures modified with Cu (II) ions in an aqueous solution containing 40 mg/L of As (III). The system utilizes UV-A light (365 nm) as the irradiation source, and the weight percentage of Cu (II) in the composite varies from 0 to 20%. The experimental results reveal significant adsorption of As (III), ranging from 20 to 50%, depending on the solution's Cu (II) content. Remarkably, the ZnO10%Cu composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving 40% adsorption and complete oxidation of As (III) within 25 min of irradiation. Characterization of the composite after the photocatalytic treatment reveals the effective adsorption of As (V) within its structure. Furthermore, no traces of Cu (II) ions are detected in the solution after the reaction, indicating their successful adsorption onto the ZnO surface as Cu (I) and Cu (II) ions. This research marks a significant advancement in harnessing innovative materials for efficient arsenic removal, offering promising insights into the development of novel photocatalytic-adsorbent systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a weight-related disorder characterized by excessive adipose tissue growth and dysfunction which leads to the onset of a systemic chronic low-grade inflammatory state. Likewise, inflammation is considered a classic cancer hallmark affecting several steps of carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In this regard, novel molecular complexes termed inflammasomes have been identified which are able to react to a wide spectrum of insults, impacting several metabolic-related disorders, but their contribution to cancer biology remains unclear. In this context, prostate cancer (PCa) has a markedly inflammatory component, and patients frequently are elderly individuals who exhibit weight-related disorders, being obesity the most prevalent condition. Therefore, inflammation, and specifically, inflammasome complexes, could be crucial players in the interplay between PCa and metabolic disorders. In this review, we will: 1) discuss the potential role of each inflammasome component (sensor, molecular adaptor, and targets) in PCa pathophysiology, placing special emphasis on IL-1β/NF-kB pathway and ROS and hypoxia influence; 2) explore the association between inflammasomes and obesity, and how these molecular complexes could act as the cornerstone between the obesity and PCa; and, 3) compile current clinical trials regarding inflammasome targeting, providing some insights about their potential use in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants produce solid and semi-solid sludge, which treatment minimises secondary environmental pollution because of wastewater treatment and obtaining new bioproducts. For this reason, in this paper, the co-pyrolysis of biogenic biomasses recovered from a biological reactor with immobilised fungal and bacterial biomass and a tertiary reactor with Chlorella sp. used for dye-contaminated wastewater treatment was carried out. Biogenic biomasses mixed with pine bark allowed the production and characterisation of two types of biochar. The raw material and biochar were on the "in vitro" germination of Lolium sp. seeds, followed by adsorption studies for malachite green (MG) dye using the raw material and the biochar. Results showed that using 60 mg L−1 of a cationic coagulant at pH 6.5 allowed for the recovery of more than 90% of the microalgae after 50 min of processing. Two biochar resulted: BC300, at pH 5.08 ± 0.08 and BC500, at pH 6.78 ± 0.01. The raw material and both biochars were co-inoculated with growth-promoting bacteria; their viabilities ranged from 1.7 × 106 ± 1.0 × 101 to 7.5 × 108 ± 6.0 × 102 CFU g−1 for total heterotrophic, nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilising bacteria. Re-use tests on Lolium sp. seed germination showed that with the post-coagulation effluent, the germination was 100%, while with the biochar, with and without beneficial bacteria, the germination was 98 and 99%, respectively. Finally, BC500 adsorbed the highest percentage of malachite green at pH 4.0, obtaining qecal values of 0.5249 mg g−1 (R2: 0.9875) with the pseudo-second-order model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-based mitigation measures are needed to achieve climate targets. One option is the mitigation of currently high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of nutrient-rich drained peatland forest soils. Continuous cover forestry (CCF) has been proposed as a measure to manage this GHG emission source; however, its emission reduction potential and impact on timber production at regional and national scales have not been quantified. To quantify the potential emission reduction, we simulated four management scenarios for Finnish forests: (i) The replacement of clear-cutting by selection harvesting on nutrient-rich drained peatlands (CCF) and (ii) the current forest management regime (BAU), and both at two harvest levels, namely (i) the mean annual harvesting (2016–2018) and (ii) the maximum sustainable yield. The simulations were conducted at the stand scale with a forest simulator (MELA) coupled with a hydrological model (SpaFHy), soil C model (Yasso07) and empirical GHG exchange models. Simulations showed that the management scenario that avoided clear-cutting on nutrient-rich drained peatlands (i.e. CCF) produced approximately 1 Tg CO2 eq. higher carbon sinks annually compared with BAU at equal harvest level for Finland. This emission reduction can be attributed to the maintenance of a higher biomass sink and to the mitigation of soil emissions from nutrient-rich drained peatland sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

APJ has been extensively described in the pathophysiology of angiogenesis and cell proliferation. The prognostic value of APJ overexpression in many diseases is now established. This study aimed to design a PET radiotracer that specifically binds to APJ. Apelin-F13A-NODAGA (AP747) was synthesized and radiolabeled with gallium-68 ([68Ga]Ga-AP747). Radiolabeling purity was excellent (> 95%) and stable up to 2 h. Affinity constant of [67Ga]Ga-AP747 was measured on APJ-overexpressing colon adenocarcinoma cells and was in nanomolar range. Specificity of [68Ga]Ga-AP747 for APJ was evaluated in vitro by autoradiography and in vivo by small animal PET/CT in both colon adenocarcinoma mouse model and Matrigel plug mouse model. Dynamic of [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET/CT biodistributions was realized on healthy mice and pigs for two hours, and quantification of signal in organs showed a suitable pharmacokinetic profile for PET imaging, largely excreted by urinary route. Matrigel mice and hindlimb ischemic mice were submitted to a 21-day longitudinal follow-up with [68Ga]Ga-AP747 and [68Ga]Ga-RGD2 small animal PET/CT. [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET signal in Matrigel was significantly more intense than that of [68Ga]Ga-RGD2. Revascularization of the ischemic hind limb was followed by LASER Doppler. In the hindlimb, [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET signal was more than twice higher than that of [68Ga]Ga-RGD2 on day 7, and significantly superior over the 21-day follow-up. A significant, positive correlation was found between the [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET signal on day 7 and late hindlimb perfusion on day 21. We developed a new PET radiotracer that specifically binds to APJ, [68Ga]Ga-AP747 that showed more efficient imaging properties than the most clinically advanced tracer of angiogenesis, [68Ga]Ga-RGD2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) from the African continent to the Americas promoted its molecular evolution, as reflected by mutations in its RNA genome. Most of the ZIKV genome sequences in the GenBank database have incomplete 5' and 3' UTR sequences, reflecting the deficiency of whole-genome sequencing technologies to resolve the sequences of the genome ends. We modified a protocol for rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) to determine the complete sequences of the 5' and 3' UTRs of a previously reported ZIKV isolate (GenBank no. MH544701.1). This strategy is useful for determining 5' and 3' UTR sequences of ZIKV isolates and will be useful for comparative genomics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of population expansion through economic growth and development has been identified as one of the key drivers of both water and sediment contamination from potentially harmful elements (PHEs). This presents a major hazard not only to aquatic ecosystems but local riparian communities and beyond who rely heavily on this natural resource for drinking water and fish—a valuable source of dietary micronutrients and protein. The present study measured biogeochemical concentration of PHEs in water, sediment and fish from locations pooled into four zones within Winam Gulf and Lake Victoria area of Kenya. Captured fish were used as a sentinel receptor of lake health to evaluate potential risks to fisheries and aquaculture food security. In water, concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) were observed above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) maximum contamination level drinking water guidelines (MCL), with aluminium (Al) observed above the Aquatic Life Criteria in all four zones. Similarly, sediment concentrations in all four zones exceeded the US EPA Effects range low (ERL) threshold guidelines for Cu, nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and Pb, with Cu, Zn and Pb classed at moderate contamination levels using the contamination factor. Fish tissue concentrations from the four zones were calculated using recommended daily intakes (RDI) and for PHEs as provisional maximum tolerable intakes (PMTIs) and indicated most macro- and micronutrients were at or below 10% RDI from aquaculture and wild fish, with Se indicating a greater RDI (16–29%) in all the zones. Contributions of PHEs to PMTIs were below threshold guidelines for both aquaculture and wild fish with only Cd, Cr and Pb levels being above the PMTI thresholds. There is a need to assess the long-term effects of persistent anthropogenic PHE input into Winam Gulf and the wider Lake Victoria basin. Continued monitoring of PHEs using both historical and more recent data will enable future management policies to be implemented through improved mitigation strategies to reduce their impact on water quality, fish health and subsequent human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems (AFS) upscaling has the potential to integrate sustainability and resilience objectives into agriculture. However, this is a daunting task requiring multi-actor collaboration across public and private sectors at multiple governance levels, coupled with innovative approaches to jointly managing AFS knowledge. Understanding such multi-actor interactions from a network perspective may help to unravel how social structures, created by relational patterns enhance or hinder AFS upscaling. Our paper aims to comparatively explore the role of regional actor-networks on AFS upscaling for a selected farming system. By conducting semi-structured interviews, we collected information about the ties of 86 actors supporting cacao agroforestry systems (CAFS) across two regions of Colombia. We use social network analysis (SNA) to comparatively visualize and understand the general structure of these networks, find relational patterns between the diverse categories of actors involved, and identify a set of key players bridging the majority of the actors within these networks. We find highly centralized networks that connect multiple actors by a low number of mostly non-reciprocal ties. Within these networks, we identify a predominance of bridging ties over bonding ties, homophily patterns among research and education institutions, and heterophily configurations among farmer-based organizations. We also find that the composition of the sets of key actors and the platforms where they converge varies substantially from region to region due to decentralized agricultural policies and differing characteristics across regions. Our approach provides key entry points for promoting multi-actor coalitions that can effectively expand the benefits of AFS in tropical agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the robust multi-plant capacitated lot-sizing problem with uncertain demands, processing and setup times. This problem consists of a production system with more than one production plant, in which each plant can produce items to meet its demand or transfer items to other plants. The objective is to determine a minimum-cost production and transfer plan considering the compromise between production, inventory, and transfer costs. Using a static robust optimization approach, we propose two different robust mixed-integer programming formulations for the problem. The first formulation applies the standard duality technique to the constraints involving uncertain parameters while the second applies the duality technique only to the time constraints and introduces new parameters, accumulating the worst-case demand realizations, to the inventory balance constraints. This second formulation has the advantage of resulting from a more intuitive and straightforward approach. We perform extensive computational experiments to compare the performance of the formulations and to assess the effect of different budgets of uncertainty on the solutions. Moreover, we observe that demand, processing and setup times have different impacts when taking uncertainty into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy and is caused by an repeat expansion [r(CUG)exp] located in the 3' untranslated region of the DMPK gene. Symptoms include skeletal and cardiac muscle dysfunction and fibrosis. In DM1, there is a lack of established biomarkers in routine clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to identify a blood biomarker with relevance for DM1-pathophysiology and clinical presentation. Methods: We collected fibroblasts from 11, skeletal muscles from 27, and blood samples from 158 DM1 patients. Moreover, serum, cardiac, and skeletal muscle samples from DMSXL mice were included. We employed proteomics, immunostaining, qPCR and ELISA. Periostin level were correlated with CMRI-data available for some patients. Results: Our studies identified Periostin, a modulator of fibrosis, as a novel biomarker candidate for DM1: proteomic profiling of human fibroblasts and murine skeletal muscles showed significant dysregulation of Periostin. Immunostaining on skeletal and cardiac muscles from DM1 patients and DMSXL mice showed an extracellular increase of Periostin, indicating fibrosis. qPCR studies indicated increased POSTN expression in fibroblasts and muscle. Quantification of Periostin in blood samples from DMSXL mice and two large validation cohorts of DM1 patients showed decreased levels in animals and diseased individuals correlating with repeat expansion and disease severity and presence of cardiac symptoms identified by MRI. Analyses of longitudinal blood samples revealed no correlation with disease progression. Conclusions: Periostin might serve as a novel stratification biomarker for DM1 correlating with disease severity, presence of cardiac malfunction and fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is a fungal pathogen of amphibians that is emerging in Europe and could be introduced to North America through international trade or other pathways. To evaluate the risk of Bsal invasion to amphibian biodiversity, we performed dose-response experiments on 35 North American species from 10 families, including larvae from five species. We discovered that Bsal caused infection in 74% and mortality in 35% of species tested. Both salamanders and frogs became infected and developed Bsal chytridiomycosis. Based on our host susceptibility results, environmental suitability conditions for Bsal, and geographic ranges of salamanders in the United States, predicted biodiversity loss is expected to be greatest in the Appalachian Region and along the West Coast. Indices of infection and disease susceptibility suggest that North American amphibian species span a spectrum of vulnerability to Bsal chytridiomycosis and most amphibian communities will include an assemblage of resistant, carrier, and amplification species. Predicted salamander losses could exceed 80 species in the United States and 140 species in North America. The emerging fungal pathogen Bsal is a potential threat for amphibians. Here, the authors use data from dose-response experiments on 35 species to assess vulnerability of North American amphibians to Bsal and identify species and areas potentially at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcephaly is the more severe brain malformation because of Zika virus infection. Increased vulnerability of neural stem and progenitor cells to Zika infection during prenatal neurodevelopment impairs the complete formation of cortical layers. Normal development of cerebellum is also affected. However, the follow-up of apparently healthy children born to Zika exposed mothers during pregnancy has revealed other neurological sequelae. This suggests Zika infection susceptibility remains in nervous tissue after neurogenesis end, when differentiated neuronal populations predominate. The neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) is an exclusive marker of postmitotic neurons. Changes in NeuN expression are associated with neuronal degeneration. We have evaluated immunohistochemical expression of NeuN protein in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of normal and Zika-infected neonatal Balb/c mice. The highest NeuN immunoreactivity was found mainly in neurons of all cortical layers, pyramidal layer of hippocampus, granular layer of dentate gyrus and in internal granular layer of cerebellum. Viral infection caused marked loss of NeuN immunostaining in all these brain areas. This suggests neurodegenerative effects of Zika virus infection during postmitotic neuron maturation and contribute to interpretation of neuropathogenic mechanisms of Zika. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]