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Anguina tritici, the wheat seed gall nematode, causes the ‘ear-cockle’ or seed gall disease of wheat (Triticum sp.), leading to an extensive decline of yield (30–70%) in underdeveloped wheat cultivating countries of the world. The nematode is known to survive in anhydrobiotic conditions for up to 32 years. Here, we present the first transcriptome assembly of A. tritici, which will be a valuable resource for understanding the genes responsible for nematode survival and above-ground plant parasitism. The final 133.2 Mb assembly consists of 105606 open reading frames (including isoforms) with the following BUSCO scores against Nematoda database: 80.3% complete (16.4% single copy and 63.9% duplicated), 2.1% fragmented, and 17.6% missing.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage legume and soil salinization seriously affects its growth and yield. In a previous study, we identified a salt-tolerant variety ‘Gongnong NO.1’ and a salt-sensitive variety ‘Sibeide’. To unravel the molecular mechanism involved in salt stress, we conducted transcriptomic analysis on these two cultivars grown under 0 and 250 mM NaCl treatments for 0, 12, and 24 h. Totals of 336, and 548 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to NaCl were, respectively, identified in the ‘Gongnong NO.1’ and ‘Sibeide’ varieties. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were classified in carbohydrate metabolism, energy production, transcription factor, and stress-associated pathway. Expression of MsHPCA1, encoding a putative H2O2 receptor, was responsive to both NaCl and H2O2 treatment. MsHPCA1 was localized in cell membrane and overexpression of MsHPCA1 in alfalfa increased salt tolerance and H2O2 content. This study will provide new gene resources for the improvement in salt tolerance in alfalfa and legume crops, which has important theoretical significance and potential application value.

Azadirachta excelsa originates from the Meliaceae family and is often subjected to bioactivity studies due to the presence of various types of compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids and terpenes. Triterpenoid saponins are diverse groups under terpenoids and are secondary metabolites produced by plants for carrying out antagonistic and mutualistic interactions. These compounds are extensively investigated for bioactivities such as anticancer, antimicrobial and pesticidal properties due to their wide range of action mechanism. This study aimed to optimize A. excelsa leaves extraction process using response surface methodology (RSM) for obtaining extract with high extract yield and triterpenoid saponins content. The independent variables selected for the extraction process included temperature, ethanol-to-chloroform ratio, time and sample-to-solvent ratio. The individual and interactional effects of extraction parameters on the yield of extract and triterpenoid saponins content were evaluated using Central composite design (CCD) of RSM. The responses were predicted using second order polynomial model. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed correlation coefficients (R2) of developed model for yield of extract and triterpenoid saponins contents were 0.9792 and 0.9509. High F-statistics value and lower p-value (

As the first line of defense, the integumentary system is critical in comprehensively evaluating dolphin morbidity during stranding response. Most published studies on skin lesions in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) lack standardized gross descriptions and methodologies for evaluating lesions. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an assessment matrix designed to consistently describe skin lesions based on a set of standardized gross description characteristics. The matrix was implemented by reviewing necropsy reports, histopathology reports, and photographs collected from bottlenose dolphins stranded in Southwest Florida from 2015 through 2019. Of the 32 dolphins that met the inclusion criteria, 19 presented with skin lesions and five reviewers described each of the 46 lesions according to a novel, standardized assessment matrix. The most common descriptor selected, in each of the respective matrix categories, were, by anatomic location, head; distribution, multifocal to coalescing; quantity, moderate (10–30); size,

The recognition of pathogen effectors through the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) family is an important component of plant immunity. In addition to typical domains such as TIR, CC, NBS, and LRR, NLR proteins also contain some atypical integrated domains (IDs), the roles of which are rarely investigated. Here, we carefully screened the soybean (Glycine max) genome and identified the IDs that appeared in the soybean TNL-like proteins. Our results show that multiple IDs (36) are widely present in soybean TNL-like proteins. A total of 27 Gm-TNL-ID genes (soybean TNL-like gene encoding ID) were cloned and their antiviral activity towards the soybean mosaic virus (SMV)/tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was verified. Two resistance (R) genes, SRA2 (SMV resistance gene contains AAA_22 domain) and SRZ4 (SMV resistance gene contains zf-RVT domain), were identified to possess broad-spectrum resistance characteristics towards six viruses including SMV, TMV, plum pox virus (PPV), cabbage leaf curl virus (CaLCuV), barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), and tobacco rattle virus (TRV). The effects of Gm-TNL-IDX (the domain of the Gm-TNL-ID gene after the TN domain) on the antiviral activity of a R protein SRC7TN (we previously reported the TN domain of the soybean broad-spectrum resistance gene SRC7) were validated, and most of Gm-TNL-IDX inhibits antiviral activity mediated by SRC7TN, possibly through intramolecular interactions. Yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that seven Gm-TNL-IDX interacted with SMV-component proteins. Truncation analysis on a broad-spectrum antiviral protein SRZ4 indicated that SRZ4TIR is sufficient to mediate antiviral activity against SMV. Soybean cDNA library screening on SRZ4 identified 48 interacting proteins. In summary, our results indicate that the integration of IDs in soybean is widespread and frequent. The NLR-ID toolkit we provide is expected to be valuable for elucidating the functions of atypical NLR proteins in the plant immune system and lay the foundation for the development of engineering NLR for plant-disease control in the future.

Alpacas, important genetic resources in the Andean region of Peru, are vulnerable to diarrhea caused by pathogenic parasites such as Eimeria lamae and Giardia sp., which can be fatal, especially in neonates, due to their physiological immaturity and limited adaptability. The study investigated the diversity and abundance of intestinal fungi and protists in alpacas infected with Eimeria lamae and Giardia sp. compared to healthy alpacas. A total of 19 alpacas, aged between one and two months, were included. They were divided into two groups, one with pathological conditions (nine) and the other healthy (ten). Parasitological analyses for the detection of parasites and subsequent molecular analysis were performed on the collected fecal samples. The results revealed a greater diversity and abundance of protists in infected alpacas in comparison with healthy alpacas, while the fungal composition did not show significant changes. Therefore, parasitic infections affect the protist component of the alpaca gut microbiota. Also, it was observed that Blastocystis was identified in all healthy alpacas, serving as a possible marker of the health of the intestinal microbiota; in addition, Prussia and Pichia are beneficial fungi that help control diseases. This groundbreaking study in neonatal alpacas is the first to explore potential changes in the intestinal microbiota during an infectious state, underscoring the importance of further research to comprehend its effects on alpaca health and immune responses.

Abstract Effective vaccination induces memory T cells, which protect the host against pathogen re-infections. Therefore, detection of memory T cells is essential for evaluating vaccine efficacy, which was originally dependent on cytokine induction assays. Currently, two isoforms of CD45 tyrosine phosphatase, CD45RO expression and CD45RA exclusion (CD45RO+/ CD45RA-) are used extensively for detecting memory T cells in cattle. The CD45RO+/CD45RA- markers were first established in humans around three decades ago, and were adopted in cattle soon after. However, in the last two decades, some published data in humans have challenged the initial paradigm, and required multiple markers for identifying memory T cells. On the contrary, memory T cell detection in cattle still mostly relies on CD45RO+/CD45RA- despite some controversial evidence. In this review, we summarized the current literature to examine if CD45RO+/CD45RA- are valid markers for detecting memory T cells in cattle. It seems CD45RA and CD45RO (CD45RA/RO) as markers for identifying bovine memory T cells are questionable.

Nisha Jha,1 Pathiyil Ravi Shankar,2 Mohammed Azmi Al-Betar,3 Rupesh Mukhia,4 Kabita Hada,5 Subish Palaian6,7 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Bagmati, Nepal; 2IMU Centre for Education, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, Malaysia; 3Artificial Intelligence Research Center (AIRC), College of Engineering and Information Technology, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 4Department of Surgery, KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Bagmati, Nepal; 5Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Bagmati, Nepal; 6Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 7Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Nisha Jha, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Bagmati, Nepal, Tel +977 9841602808, Email nishajha32@gmail.com Subish Palaian, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Tel +971 551322957, Email subishpalaian@gmail.comPurpose: Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare and health professions education. This study explored medical students’ and interns’ knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), perceptions of the role of AI in medicine, and preferences around the teaching of AI competencies.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the authors used a previously validated Canadian questionnaire and gathered responses from students and interns at KIST Medical College, Nepal. Face validity and reliability of the tool were assessed by administering the questionnaire to 20 alumni as a pilot sample (Cronbach alpha = 0.6). Survey results were analyzed quantitatively (p-value = 0.05).Results: In total 216 students (37% response rate) participated. The median AI knowledge score was 11 (interquartile range 4), and the maximum possible score was 25. The score was higher among final year students (p = 0.006) and among those with additional training in AI (p = 0.040). Over 49% strongly agreed or agreed that AI will reduce the number of jobs for doctors. Many expect AI to impact their specialty choice, felt the Nepalese health-care system is ill-equipped to deal with the challenges of AI, and opined every student of medicine should receive training on AI competencies.Conclusion: The lack of coverage of AI and machine learning in Nepalese medical schools has resulted in students being unaware of AI’s impact on individual patients and the healthcare system. A high perceived willingness among respondents to learn about AI is a positive sign and a strong indicator of futuristic successful curricula changes. Systematic implementation of AI in the Nepalese healthcare system can be a potential tool in addressing health-care challenges related to resource and manpower constraints. Incorporating topics related to AI and machine learning in medical curricula can be a useful first step.Keywords: artificial intelligence, healthcare, machine learning, medical students, Nepal

Summary: Exchanges of mRNA were shown between host and stem parasites but not root parasites. Cistanche deserticola (Orobanchaceae) is a holoparasitic herb which parasitizes on the roots of woody plant Haloxylon ammodendron (Chenopodiaceae). We used transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to identify nearly ten thousand mobile mRNAs. Transcript abundance appears to be a driving force for transfer event and mRNA exchanges occur through haustorial junction. Mobility of selected mRNAs was confirmed in situ and in sunflower-Orobanche cumana heterologous parasitic system. Four C. deserticola →H. ammodendron mobile mRNAs appear to facilitate haustorium development. Of interest, two mobile mRNAs of putative resistance genes CdNLR1 and CdNLR2 cause root-specific hypersensitive response and retard parasite development, which might contribute to parasitic equilibrium. The present study provides evidence for the large-scale mRNA transfer event between a woody host and a root parasite, and demonstrates the functional relevance of six C. deserticola genes in host-parasite interactions.

Against the backdrop of the new attention economy (Giraldo-Luque & Fernández Rovira, 2020), which is based on attracting audience interest, this research analyses the production and distribution of media content through the emerging Telegram platform. Attracting the attention of the audience has become the main objective of the media in the digital environment. To achieve this aim, more personalised content is now being produced, and attempts are being made to reach the user in a more direct and personal way through instant messaging platforms, especially Telegram. Through a methodology based on data triangulation, documentary analysis, interviews, registration techniques, analysis sheets, as well as direct and indirect observation (Fernández-Ballesteros, 2004), this study addresses the rise of Telegram in journalism, in addition to the way in which the Spanish media distribute, produce, and use the information, as well as interaction with the audience. To this end, a strategic sample has been used, the results of which are applicable to the media analysed. The results of this research show that nearly half of the media analysed produce content and inform the user without considering interaction, while others try to approach the user with language that is informal and friendly, or through multimedia content such as videos, emoticons, and others. The media have suddenly appeared on Telegram in search of new market niches where they can produce content for new users, thereby pursuing the rationale of the attention economy.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal malignancy in the human abdominal cavity that prefers to invade the surrounding nerve/nerve plexus and even the spine, causing devastating and unbearable pain. The limitation of available in vitro models restricts revealing the molecular mechanism of pain and screening pain-relieving strategies to improve the quality of life of end-stage PC patients. Here, we report a PC nerve invasion model that merged human brain organoids (hBrO) with mouse PC organoids (mPCO). After merging hBrOs with mPCOs, we monitored the structural crosstalk, growth patterns, and mutual interaction dynamics of hBrO with mPCOs for 7 days. After 7 days, we also analyzed the pathophysiological statuses, including proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation. The results showed that mPCOs tend to approximate and intrude into the hBrOs, merge entirely into the hBrOs, and induce the retraction/shrinking of neuronal projections that protrude from the margin of the hBrOs. The approximating of mPCOs to hBrOs accelerated the proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells, intensified the apoptosis of neurons in the hBrOs, and increased the expression of inflammatory molecules in hBrOs, including NLRP3, IL-8, and IL-1β. Our system pathophysiologically replicated the nerve invasions in mouse GEMM (genetically engineered mouse model) primary and human PCs and might have the potential to be applied to reveal the molecular mechanism of nerve invasion and screen therapeutic strategies in PCs.

Abstract Methylating RNA post‐transcriptionally is emerging as a significant mechanism of gene regulation in eukaryotes. The crosstalk between RNA methylation and histone modification is critical for chromatin state and gene expression in mammals. However, it is not well understood mechanistically in plants. Here, the authors report a genome‐wide correlation between RNA 5‐cytosine methylation (m5C) and histone 3 lysine27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in Arabidopsis. The plant‐specific Polycomb group (PcG) protein EMBRYONIC FLOWER1 (EMF1) plays dual roles as activators or repressors. Transcriptome‐wide RNA m5C profiling revealed that m5C peaks are mostly enriched in chromatin regions that lacked H3K27me3 in both wild type and emf1 mutants. EMF1 repressed the expression of m5C methyltransferase tRNA specific methyltransferase 4B (TRM4B) through H3K4me3, independent of PcG‐mediated H3K27me3 mechanism. The 5‐Cytosine methylation on targets is increased in emf1 mutants, thereby decreased the mRNA transcripts of photosynthesis and chloroplast genes. In addition, impairing EMF1 activity reduced H3K27me3 levels of PcG targets, such as starch genes, which are de‐repressed in emf1 mutants. Both EMF1‐mediated promotion and repression of gene activities via m5C and H3K27me3 are required for normal vegetative growth. Collectively, t study reveals a previously undescribed epigenetic mechanism of RNA m5C modifications and histone modifications to regulate gene expression in eukaryotes.

El trabajo consiste en dar cuenta de cuatro posicionamientos de verdad ficticia derivados del drama de Sabina Berman, Feliz Nuevo Siglo doktor Freud, en torno al caso Dora de Sigmund Freud. De esta puesta de escena inherente a la estructura histérica se revelan los fantasmas de prostitución, de la seducción del padre, de la instauración de la feminidad y de la diversidad textual de la (contra) transferencia. El drama lleva la clínica a una dimensión de debate crítico donde el mismo Freud se encuentra dividido entre las formulaciones de su teoría sexual y las cuestiones inéditas que provoca el testimonio de la experiencia singular No sólo se abre el telón de fondo de las condiciones sociales e históricas que enmarcan un ejercicio de clínica de la palabra y la subjetividad sino aquellas que determinan las complejas relaciones entre los sexos y los esquemas imaginarios-ideológicos que inciden en el pensamiento de Freud.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo exponer la evolución de las cuotas de género hacia el enfoque paritario, desde la experiencia internacional y nacional. Se parte del enfoque feminista en la ciencia política, como acercamiento al análisis académico sobre representatividad legislativa a través de cuotas de género. Se revisa literatura con enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo, que aporta a la identificación de resultados sobre la representación política de las mujeres en los congresos. Se analiza el estudio de caso de la LXIV Legislatura (2018-2021) de México, autodenominada “Legislatura de la paridad de género”, siendo la primera vez que se alcanza efectivamente la paridad en esta Cámara. Por último, se presentan los desafíos que persisten en la investigación sobre representación sustantiva de las legisladoras en los congresos mexicanos.

Soil salinization is a common abiotic stress that seriously affects soybean growth and yield, underscoring the need to enhance plant salt tolerance for sustainable agriculture development. Selenium is a beneficial element that has been shown to promote plant growth, development and stress resistance. This study employed pot experiments to investigate the effects of different salt levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl) on salt-tolerant (Zhonghuang 13) and salt-sensitive soybean (Dongnong 63) varieties. Additionally, the critical salt concentration (100 mM NaCl) was selected to explore the effects of exogenous selenium (0, 0.5, 1 and 3 mg·kg−1) on improving salt tolerance in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive soybeans under salt stress. Results showed that as salt concentration increased, plant height, shoot and root fresh weight, SPAD value and enzyme activity of both salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive soybeans significantly decreased. The increasing concentration of exogenous selenium significantly decreased the proline content of salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant soybeans by 40.65–58.87% and 38.51–50.46%, respectively, and the MDA content by 19.33–30.36% and 16.94–37.48%, respectively. Selenium supplementation also reduced the content of Na+ in salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant soybeans and improved K+ absorption in soybeans, which increased the K+/Na+ ratio. Moreover, high-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene demonstrated that selenium application optimized the rhizosphere microecology structure of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive soybean varieties and enhanced functional genes related to lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and cell motility of rhizosphere microorganisms. In summary, selenium application improved the salt tolerance of the two soybean varieties by enhancing the physiological resistance to salt stress and optimizing the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbial community.

The concentration of selenium (Se) in agricultural products primarily depends on the concentration of Se in soil and the ability of plants to accumulate Se. Selenium deficiency not only leads to decreased body resistance, but also increases the risk of cancer. The form and concentration of bioavailable Se is important for diet. The present study was carried out via field experiment with wheat and broad beans in soil of different Se concentrations (0, 1.12, and 11.2 kg·ha−1), which was determined based on the national standard and the team’s previous experience. Results indicated that the concentration of Se in the edible organs of wheat was higher than in broad bean, while the enriched Se concentration in the root of broad bean was more than twice and three times higher than that of wheat at medium and high levels of Se, respectively. Selenomethionine, which accounted for over half of the total Se speciations, was the dominant species in the edible parts of the two crops, followed by Selenocystine and methylselenocysteine. Through the analysis of the rhizosphere soil, it was found that Fe-Mn oxide-bound Se exceeded 80% of the total Se. Additionally, there was a significant linear correlation between the Se content in the edible parts of the two crops and the Se content in the soil. Findings suggested that wheat was more favorable than broad beans as Se supplement crops in a Se-supplied field.

Este artículo radiografía el uso de inteligencia artificial (IA) por las plataformas de verificación de referencia españolas e iberoamericanas (miembros de #CoronavirusFacts Alliance de IFCN). El planteamiento metodológico se basa en la exploración y catalogación mediante análisis de contenido multicriterio de iniciativas y herramientas de IA desarrolladas; y se complementa con la visión de sus profesionales y de expertos en tecnología e innovación periodística mediante entrevistas online. Los resultados evidencian un uso desigual e incipiente de la IA por los fact-checkers analizados. El desarrollo de soluciones propias está condicionado por la disponibilidad de recursos y perfiles profesionales especializados y casi siempre se materializa en bots para determinadas funciones. Con todo coinciden en percibir muy positivamente la IA para su labor, y la co-creación brinda oportunidades para el desarrollo de proyectos de I+D+i de la mano de grandes empresas tecnológicas o en el marco de la propia red IFCN.

El objetivo es estimar la probabilidad de incurrir en gastos catastróficos al utilizar los servicios públicos de salud en México, a partir de la Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares (ENIGH) 2018. Se estimaron modelos Biprobit para identificar la relación entre estas variables. La utilización del servicio público al que se tiene afiliación y el gasto público ayudan a disminuir moderadamente las probabilidades de incurrir en gastos catastróficos. Los gastos catastróficos afectan a individuos de cualquier estrato socioeconómico, al no encontrar efectos considerablemente distintos por quintil de ingreso. Las desigualdades en el gasto público, aunadas a la propia fragmentación de los servicios parecen repercutir en la oferta de servicios. Lo anterior provoca una mayor propensión a incurrir en gastos excesivos, puesto que es un fenómeno que afecta a lo largo de la distribución de ingresos.

En México, el gasto privado en salud tiene una asociación considerable con los ingresos y se comporta diferenciadamente entre las regiones. Con información a nivel individuo para el periodo 2008 a 2018 y aplicando modelos Tobit, se analizan los cambios temporales y geográficos de la elasticidad ingreso del gasto privado en salud. En la región norte persiste como un bien de lujo, mientras que en las zonas centro y sur fluctúa alrededor del valor unitario. Pareciera que las divergencias regionales estructurales se están reflejando en las posibilidades de utilización del ingreso en rubros de gastos sanitarios en los hogares.

This research was conducted to find that authentic leadership and work environment influence partially and simultaneously on the performance of teacher at Junior High School in Bekasi. This study using a descriptive quantitative approach regression models. The population in this study was 306 teachers, and the sample was taken using the Slovin formula with an error rate of 5% so that there were 75 teachers. The instrument used was a questionnaire distributed via Google Form based on the Likert scale. At the same time, hypothesis testing is obtained based on the results of the t-test, F test and the coefficient of determination test. The results prove that there are several conclusions, namely: (1) authentic leadership has a positive effect on the performance of Junior High School teachers; (2) The work environment has a positive and significant effect on the performance of Junior High School teachers; (3) Authentic leadership and work environment simultaneously influence the performance of Junior High School teachers with the results of the test value of the coefficient of determination of 0.673 or 67.3%, meaning that authentic leadership and work environment have an influence on performance by 67.3% and the rest 32.7% is influenced by variables not studied.

Telkom University Open Library merupakan brand untuk Unit Sumber Daya Keilmuan & Perpustakaan (SDK & Perpustakaan) Telkom University yang berada dibawah Wakil Rektor I bidang Akademik Telkom University, dengan memerhatikan tiga pokok pikiran dalam pengembangannya. Tujuan dalam penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui bagaimana proses pengembangan koleksi yang dilakukan Telkom University Open Library. Metode yang digunakan penelitian yaitu menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif serta pengambilan untuk sumber data menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan studi literatur. Pengembangan koleksi ialah suatu kegiatan yang penting dan harus dilakukan oleh setiap perpustakaan guna untuk meningkatkan kualitas perpustakaan juga agar selalu dapat memenuhi kebutuhan pemustaka seiring perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, dapat diketahui Telkom University Open Library sudah melakukan kegiatan pengembangan koleksi dengan enam tahapan yang dilakukan. Tahapan yang dilalui diantaranya: 1) analisis kebutuhan pemustaka, 2) kebijakan pengembangan koleksi, 3) seleksi bahan pustaka, 4) pengadaan bahan pustaka, 5) penyiangan bahan pustaka, dan 6) evaluasi koleksi.

Yuichiro Soma,1 Shigeki Kubota,2 Hideki Kadone,3 Yukiyo Shimizu,1 Hiroshi Takahashi,2 Yasushi Hada,1 Masao Koda,2 Yoshiyuki Sankai,4 Masashi Yamazaki2 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan; 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; 3Center for Innovating Medicine and Engineering (CIME), University of Tsukuba Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan; 4Faculty of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JapanCorrespondence: Shigeki KubotaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, JapanTel +81-29-853-3219Fax +81-29-853-3162Email skubota@tsukuba-seikei.comIntroduction: The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) is a wearable exoskeleton cyborg that assists walking and lower limb movements via real-time actuator control by detecting the wearer’s bioelectric signals on the surface of their skin.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the improvement in walking ability following HAL gait training in a patient with tetraplegia after incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).Patient and Methods: A 47-year-old man with traumatic cervical SCI for six months after fall had incomplete tetraplegic SCI grade C as classified according to the American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale and was unable to walk in conventional rehabilitation.Results: The HAL gait training was received 2 or 3 times per week for 13 sessions. Improvement was observed in gait speed (baseline: 0.12; after training: 0.45 m/sec), step length (baseline: 0.30; after training: 0.45 m), and cadence (baseline: 23.1; after training: 59.6 steps/min) based on a 10-meter walking test; International Standards for Neurological and functional Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) motor score (baseline: 59; after training: 76); and walking index for spinal cord injury (WISCI) II score (baseline: 1; after training: 6).Conclusion: We report the recovery of walking ability in a patient with chronic severe incomplete tetraplegic SCI following the HAL training.Keywords: hybrid assistive limb, robotic rehabilitation, incomplete spinal cord injury, robotic gait training

Abstract Background Pompe disease (PD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the acid α-glucosidase gene (GAA) that produces defects in the lysosomal acid α-1,4-glucosidase. We aimed to identify genetic variations and clinical features in Spanish subjects to establish genotype–phenotype correlation. Methods A total of 2637 samples of patients who showed symptoms or susceptible signs of PD were enrolled in this observational study. Enzymatic activity was detected by fluorometric techniques and the genetic study was carried out using Next-Generation Sequencing. Results Fourteen different variants from 17 diagnosed patients were identified, seven males and nine females with LOPD (mean age 36.07, SD 20.57, range 7–64) and a 2-day-old boy with IOPD, four genetic variants had not been described in the literature previously, including a homozygous variant. In all of them α-glucosidase activity was decreased. Muscle weakness, respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, hypotonia, dysphagia and myalgia were commonly observed in patients. Conclusions This study report four new genetic variants that contribute to the pathogenic variants spectrum of the GAA gene. We confirm that patients in Spain have a characteristic profile of a European population, with c.-32-13T>G being the most prevalent variant. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the c.236_246delCCACACAGTGC pathogenic variant in homozygosity is associated with early disease and a worse prognosis.

Presentación del monográfico.

Como una forma de aproximarse a la evaluación del desempeño legislativo y de la representación sustantiva, para cada diputada de la lxi Legislatura (2018-2020) de Coahuila, se calcula el Score de Calidad y Productividad Legislativa con información sobre el alcance de las iniciativas presentadas y su estatus, el tipo de comisión presidida, y la posición respecto de la actividad legislativa máxima. Existen diferencias notorias en el trabajo legislativo: el número de iniciativas varía sustancialmente, además, algunas se inclinan por propuestas de modificaciones esenciales, mientras que otras optan por las focalizadas. Apenas la mitad de las diputadas dirigen una comisión de poder, en las que no necesariamente se presenta un alto nivel de actividad. Aunque se destaca el avance en cuanto a la paridad numérica, se observa que la representatividad sustantiva aún tiene camino por recorrer.

Lignification of the stem in zinnia provides its mechanical properties due to xylem formation, which depends on the stage of plant development and is responsible for the transport of water and minerals. The study was aimed at the lignin deposition, anatomical traits, biochemical markers of lignification, as well as the genetic regulation of this process in zinnia stem cross sections of different age during their radial growth. The anatomical traits were assessed on cross sections. The content of lignin (Cysteine-assisted sulfuric method (CASA) and the thioglycolic acid (TGA) methods), the spectrum of phenolics (by thin layer chromatography (TLC)), the total activity and the variety of class III peroxidases were determined. The expression level of genes regulating phenylpropanoids and lignin biosynthesis were assessed. We suggest that time-specific and organ-specific lignification is determined by the metabolism of phenolic compounds and depends on the expression of genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway. It was shown that in the hypocotyl, during xylem ring formation, lignification was associated with increased expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) genes responsible for the early stages of the phenylpropanoid pathway, and with the rise of class III peroxidases activity, including cationic isoforms. This caused increased content and diversity of phenolics in mature hypocotyl. In epicotyl, which is younger than the hypocotyl, the proportion of ferulic acid among phenolics increased, which could be considered as a marker of lignification in it. The high expression level of CAD and the activity of peroxidases, including anionic isoforms, led to accumulation of lignin. Thus, the hypocotyl and epicotyl, being characterized by different ages, differed in spectrum of phenolics, isoforms of class III peroxidases, expression of the PAL, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), peroxidases III class (PRX), and laccase (LAC) genes, and lignin content.

The pharmaceutical industry is a vital field of activity that by providing pharmaceutical products and preparations that take medicines form, contributes to the diagnosis, treatment, maintenance, upkeep and maintenance of the health of the population. Over time, we are witnessing an increase in the need for pharmaceuticals, and implicitly an increase in both the number of drug distributors and the number of manufacturers. Pharmaceutical industry as one of the most profitable and competitive industries is considered to be one of the key industries in the world. An important part of specialized studies deals with the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and present trends in the evolution of the pharmaceutical sector in Romania. We also aim to present a top of the largest and most important companies in the pharmaceutical field according to the CANE activity code. The results of the research show the upward trend of the national pharmaceutical sector, given the increase in profits recorded by companies in the field, increased revenue, turnover, number of entities producing and distributing drugs. The pharmaceutical industry is an important sector, with a continuous development and a rapid growth rate.

Se busca identificar el comportamiento geográfico y las correlaciones estadísticas entre variables de índole socioeconómico y de incidencia de delitos cometidos, con información al nivel estatal de 2020, diferenciando por sexo. Aquellas variables que representan situaciones de carencia extrema mostraron relaciones inversas con la tasa de incidencia, mientras que la disponibilidad de ciertos dispositivos en la vivienda tuvo una asociación directa y significativa; pareciera que la tasa se incrementa en entornos económicamente menos vulnerables. Se verifica que, además del contexto socioeconómico, la corrupción, la impunidad y la ineficacia de los servicios públicos también se correlacionan con las tasas de criminalidad. Asimismo, se identifica que el comportamiento espacial de algunas variables se relaciona con el número de delitos cometidos en las entidades.

The quality of earnings - this seemingly abstract concept - is, on the contrary, one of practical interest for investors in the decision-making process. Quality gains provide assurances about their persistence, about their lack of fluctuation, about their predictive ability. In this way, investors will make safe decisions. Moreover, quality gains provide confidence that they are not affected by accounting manipulations, that the performance presented is real and can be maintained in the future. The quality of earnings can be assessed by the size of the commitments defined as the difference between profit and cash flow, between operating income and operating cash flow or by the ratio between them. Persistence can be measured by the slope coefficient in a regression of the change in the level of gains. More than persistence, the lack of earnings fluctuation provides a more relevant assessment of their quality, and can be assessed by the residuals of the regression of the change in earnings. Among the explanatory variables of the quality of earnings used in various models are numerous performance rates (return on assets, gross margin, liquidity current ratio, Growth rate in net working capital, return on total capital), stability / growth rates (year-to-year change in return on assets, year-to-year change in long term debt to assets, growth rate in net working capital, growth rate in noncurrent assets, change in receivables versus change in sales). So the quality of earnings includes the lack of variability, the lack of earnings management, performance. Through this, the quality of earnings is the best assurance for investors.

Financial performance is a major point of interest for both the internal and external environment of an economic entity. To be prosperous, attractive, efficient and promising development, a company must obtain a profit. In the conditions of a dynamic economic environment, assailed by many changes, maximizing profitability or the ability to make a profit as a measure of performance is the main objective of the activity of an economic entity. Profitability is one of the forms of expressing economic efficiency with summarizing the efforts made to obtain the expected results. Profitability rates measure the results obtained in relation to the activity of companies (commercial profitability) with economic means (economic profitability) or financial means (financial profitability).The main purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of profitability indicators in assessing financial performance. The research also aims to present the current state of knowledge, by calling for specialized bibliographic references, highlighting current concepts on the notion of profitability, outlining the importance of profitability indicators in the activity of measuring financial performance. In order to assess the efficiency of the activity of an economic entity, the research is based on an empirical study at a company in the pharmaceutical industry by determining rates of return based on information from the financial statements of the entity for the period 2009-2018. The research results show us that, in the activity of measuring financial performance, the profitability indicators show us the economic efficiency of the entire economic activity. Being essential in the conditions of a dynamic economic environment, assailed by numerous changes, profitability is the expression of any entity earnings, and obtaining the profit as a measure of profitability (income increase in relation to the reduction of costs) represents the main objective of the activity of an economic entity. Return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and return on sales (ROS) are some of the key indicators in assessing financial performance, indicators that must be used by stakeholders to substantiate decisions.