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This study explores the language association of international students during their adaptation to a new environment and its impact on intercultural communication. It addresses the difficulties, language and cultural barriers, social adaptation problems, and both positive and negative influence of association on language learning. The purpose of the study is to determine international students' concerns with Kazakhstani national brands during their studies in Kazakhstan. To achieve this, a survey was conducted, followed by a thematic analysis of 43 international students' responses. The findings of the study reveal that defining international students' associations with national brands eases stereotypical connections in language learning, overcomes language barriers, and enhances intercultural communication.

Studies of human lung development have focused on epithelial and mesenchymal cell types and function, but much less is known about the developing lung immune cells, even though the airways are a major site of mucosal immunity after birth. An unanswered question is whether tissue-resident immune cells play a role in shaping the tissue as it develops in utero. Here, we profiled human embryonic and fetal lung immune cells using scRNA-seq, smFISH, and immunohistochemistry. At the embryonic stage, we observed an early wave of innate immune cells, including innate lymphoid cells, natural killer cells, myeloid cells, and lineage progenitors. By the canalicular stage, we detected naive T lymphocytes expressing high levels of cytotoxicity genes and the presence of mature B lymphocytes, including B-1 cells. Our analysis suggests that fetal lungs provide a niche for full B cell maturation. Given the presence and diversity of immune cells during development, we also investigated their possible effect on epithelial maturation. We found that IL-1β drives epithelial progenitor exit from self-renewal and differentiation to basal cells in vitro. In vivo, IL-1β-producing myeloid cells were found throughout the lung and adjacent to epithelial tips, suggesting that immune cells may direct human lung epithelial development.

During the twentieth century, state health authorities in California recommended sterilization for over 20,000 individuals held in state institutions. Asian immigrants occupied a marginalized position in racial, gender, and class hierarchies in California at the height of its eugenic sterilization program. Scholars have documented the disproportionate sterilization of other racialized groups, but little research exists connecting the racist, gendered implementation of Asian immigration restriction to the racism and sexism inherent in eugenics. This study examines patterns of coercive sterilization in Asian immigrants in California, hypothesizing higher institutionalization and sterilization rates among Asian-born compared with other foreign- and US-born individuals. We used complete count census microdata from 1910 to 1940 and digitized sterilization recommendation forms from 1920 to 1945 to model relative institutionalization and sterilization rates of Asian-born, other foreign-born, and US-born populations, stratified by gender. Other foreign-born men and women had the highest institutionalization rates in all four census years. Sterilization rates were higher for Asian-born women compared with US-born [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 2.00 (95% CI: 1.61, 2.48)] and other foreign-born women (p

BACKGROUND: PSMA expression is influenced by hormonal status. We evaluated changes in PSA and whole-body 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT (WB-PSMA PET) after initiation of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSi). METHODS: Prospectively enrolled patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) initiating ARSi underwent serial PSA measurements and WB-PSMA PET at baseline, 1-week, and 3-months post-ARSi. We correlated WB-PSMA PET metrics and PSA kinetics after ARSi to 1-year clinical outcome. RESULTS: Due to low enrollment rate, the study was closed before reaching the recruitment goal of 30 patients. Nine patients were enrolled. At 1-year, unfavorable outcome was documented in 6/9 (66%) patients. Nine/9 patients completed PSMA PET at 1-week, 5/9 at 3-months. Changes in PSA, PSMA-VOL, SUVmean and SUVmax were - 12%, + 5%, + 3%, and + 10% at 1-week, - 42%, - 16%, - 15% and - 17% at 3-months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective trial involving 9 mCRPC patients initiating ARSi did not show significant modulation of PSMA expression measured on WB-PSMA PET at 1-week. This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04279561).

Abstract Understanding long-term coastal changes requires comprehensive records of morphological data spanning extended periods, ideally over multiple decades. Nevertheless, significant challenges arise from the restricted availability and accessibility of reliable data, especially in the case of complex coastal systems dominated by wave-current dynamics, such as ebb-tidal deltas (ETDs). This study introduces a new dataset for Tagus ETD in central Portugal, from 1845 to 1985 based on historic nautical charts available for the area. The data includes: (1) high-resolution bathymetric surfaces of ETD configuration for years 1845, 1879, 1893, 1929, 1939, 1960 and 1985; (2) shoreline position of three different indicators (Low-Water Line, High-Water Line and foredune dune seaward limit) at the adjacent coast for the same years; (3) rates-of-change for shoreline position of the High-Water Line indicator. Data also includes an uncertainty assessment for hydrographical and shoreline position information estimated from historic nautical charts. These data provide a valuable resource for describing, understanding, and modelling the long-term behaviour of ETDs not covered by other currently available datasets.

Aim of the study. Genetic analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae serogroups 15 and 11 circulating in Russia according to the following parameters: serotype affiliation; clonal complex (CC); presence of resistance and virulence determinants; relatedness to genetic lineages circulating in the world, and justification of inclusion of the actual serotypes of serogroups 15 and 11 in the future conjugate vaccine composition. Materials and methods. The study included whole genome data of S. pneumoniae serogroups 11 and 15. Results. Genomes of serogroup 15 strains from Russia are represented mainly by serotypes 15B and 15C, the majority of which belong to CC-1025 and CC-1262. CC-1025 is characterized by a more frequent association with invasive diseases. Representatives of CC-1025 and CC-1262 contain virulence determinants unique to these genetic lineages within the studied population of serogroup 15: oligopeptide transporters, fructose-specific PTS system, unique hydrolase variants, additional iron ion transporters, the gene of zinc metalloprotease ZmpC (activating human MMP9). The genomes of serogroup 11 are represented mainly by serotype 11A, the majority belong to CC-62 and CC-1012. The virulence determinants unique to CC-62 (within the studied serogroup 11) include bacteriocins, components of oligopeptide transport, flavin reductase-like protein (adhesin, also protects bacteria from oxidative stress), fucose processing operon, PsaA (adhesin, also a component of the ATP-binding cassette transporter that imports manganese ions). Conclusion. In the Russian Federation, serogroups 15 and 11 are the most common non-vaccine serogroups. No antimicrobial resistance determinants have been identified in the genomes of representatives of these serogroups. For each of the genetic lineages prevalent in Russia and associated with serogroups 15 and 11, unique virulence determinants within the studied serogroup have been identified, which may contribute to the success of these lineages. It is advisable to include serotypes 15B and 11A in vaccines promising for the Russian Federation.

ABSTRACT Varicocele can reduce male fertility potential through various oxidative stress mechanisms. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species may overwhelm the sperm's defenses against oxidative stress, damaging the sperm chromatin. Sperm DNA fragmentation, in the form of DNA strand breaks, is recognized as a consequence of the oxidative stress cascade and is commonly found in the ejaculates of men with varicocele and fertility issues. This paper reviews the current knowledge regarding the association between varicocele, oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, and male infertility, and examines the role of varicocele repair in alleviating oxidative-sperm DNA fragmentation in these patients. Additionally, we highlight areas for further research to address knowledge gaps relevant to clinical practice.

Volcanic eruptions of the directed blast type are characterized by powerful explosions with a significant lateral pyroclastic density current (PDC) component that can travel at speeds above 100 m s–1 and affect hundreds of square kilometers around a volcano. This study presents preliminary results of a detailed fieldwork and stratigraphic study of deposits associated with the Ocoxaltepec Blast deposit, which originated from the Popocatépetl volcano during a strong eruption associated with the southwestward sector collapse of the volcanic edifice around 23,500 ka BP. Within the study area, which contains 58,870 inhabitants, we found 42 new sites where the blast deposit outcrops, in locations up to 25 km from the volcano crater, with thicknesses up to over 20 m. We divide these blast deposits into two categories: confined channel-fill PDC deposits and unconfined interfluve and upland PDC deposits. With the new data we have estimated the dispersion area of the directed blast to be approximately 338 km2. Twenty-nine of the new outcrops are located outside the hazard polygon associated with concentrated PDCs related to the lowest probability Plinian eruption currently considered from Popocatépetl.

Abstract Background Patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs) have been prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination to mitigate the infection severity risks. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a high risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, especially those under immunosuppression or with associated comorbidities. However, few studies have assessed the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in patients with RA. Objective To evaluate the safety of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with RA. Methods This data are from the study “Safety and Efficacy on COVID-19 Vaccine in Rheumatic Diseases,” a Brazilian multicentric prospective phase IV study to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine in IMRDs in Brazil. Adverse events (AEs) in patients with RA of all centers were assessed after two doses of ChAdOx1 (Oxford/AstraZeneca) or CoronaVac (Sinovac/Butantan). Stratification of postvaccination AEs was performed using a diary, filled out daily and returned at the end of 28 days for each dose. Results A total of 188 patients with RA were include, 90% female. CoronaVac was used in 109 patients and ChAdOx1 in 79. Only mild AEs were observed, mainly after the first dose. The most common AEs after the first dose were pain at the injection (46,7%), headache (39,4%), arthralgia (39,4%), myalgia (30,5%) and fatigue (26,6%), and ChAdOx1 had a higher frequency of pain at the injection (66% vs 32 %, p

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Northeastern Brazil. Methods This was a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted between September 2021 and June 2023. Participants underwent structured interviews to collect sociodemographic and clinical information, including hepatitis B vaccination history, HIV PrEP use and sexual health history. Blood samples were collected for hepatitis B serologic testing: HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs), total and IgM HBV core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV susceptibility was defined as nonreactive results for all these serological markers. Results A total of 287 participants were enrolled into the study. The median age of the individuals was 31 years (interquartile range: 27; 36). HBV susceptibility was found in 58 out 286 individuals (20.3%; 95% CI: 15.9–25.2). Seventy-six percent of the participants reported completing the three-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule. Susceptibility was significantly associated with a monthly income ≤ 5 minimum wages (PR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.01–4.05), lack of complete hepatitis B vaccination schedule (PR: 4.52; 95% CI: 2.89–7.06), initiation of HIV PrEP (PR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.21–3.94), duration of six months of HIV PrEP (PR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.19–3.91), absence of tattoos (PR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.00–2.40) and no history of sexually transmitted infections (PR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.07–2.54). Conclusion Our findings highlight the significant burden of HBV susceptibility among MSM on HIV PrEP in Northeastern Brazil. Socioeconomic factors, vaccination status, PrEP use and sexual health behaviors play critical roles in determining susceptibility to HBV. Integrating hepatitis B screening and vaccination into PrEP services is critical for identifying and addressing HBV susceptibility among MSM. Interventions aimed at increasing vaccination coverage and promoting safer sexual practices are essential for mitigating the burden of HBV infection in this population.

Abstract Introducing legumes into C4-dominated tropical pastures, may enhance their sustainability but has some pasture management constraints. One potential alternative is using arboreal legumes, but several of these species have relatively high condensed tannin (CT) concentrations, which negatively impact forage quality. There is limited knowledge, however, on how arboreal legume leaf CT content varies over the year and how this might impact forage quality. The objective of this 2 year study was to assess the seasonal variation of CT and nutritive value for ruminants of the tropical tree legumes gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Walp.] and mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth). The research was carried out in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil on well-established pastures in which either legume was present with signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf.). We determined CT and nitrogen concentrations, in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), and leaf δ13C and δ15N from January to October of 2017 and 2018. All parameters were affected (P

Introduction: Management of the patient with cirrhosis of the liver that requires surgical treatment has been relatively unexplored. In Mexico, there is currently no formal stance or expert recommendations to guide clinical decision-making in this context. Aims: The present position paper reviews the existing evidence on risks, prognoses, precautions, special care, and specific management or procedures for patients with cirrhosis that require surgical interventions or invasive procedures. Our aim is to provide recommendations by an expert panel, based on the best published evidence, and consequently ensure timely, quality, efficient, and low-risk care for this specific group of patients. Results: Twenty-seven recommendations were developed that address preoperative considerations, intraoperative settings, and postoperative follow-up and care. Conclusions: The assessment and care of patients with cirrhosis that require major surgical or invasive procedures should be overseen by a multidisciplinary team that includes the anesthesiologist, hepatologist, gastroenterologist, and clinical nutritionist. With respect to decompensated patients, a nephrology specialist may be required, given that kidney function is also a parameter involved in the prognosis of these patients. Resumen: Introducción: El terreno del paciente con cirrosis que requiere de una intervención quirúrgica ha sido poco explorado. En México, a la fecha no contamos con un posicionamiento formal o recomendaciones de expertos que ayuden a la toma de decisiones clínicas en este contexto. Objetivos: Revisar la evidencia existente sobre el riesgo, pronóstico, precauciones, cuidados especiales y manejo o proceder específico para los pacientes con cirrosis que requieren ser intervenidos quirúrgicamente o mediante procedimientos invasivos, para emitir recomendaciones por un panel experto, basadas en la mejor evidencia publicada para la atención oportuna, de calidad, eficiente y con el menor riesgo posible en este grupo específico de pacientes. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 27 recomendaciones, en donde se abordan el terreno preoperatorio, el escenario transoperatorio y el seguimiento y cuidados postoperatorios. Conclusiones: La valoración y cuidado del paciente con cirrosis que requiere un procedimiento quirúrgico o invasivo mayor, debe estar a cargo de un equipo multidisciplinario que brinde soporte al cirujano, durante todo el perioperatorio, este equipo debe incluir al anestesiólogo, hepatólogo, gastroenterólogo, nutriólogo clínico. En el paciente descompensado, puede ser necesario involucrar especialistas en nefrología ya que la función renal es un parámetro implicado también en el pronóstico de estos pacientes.

Apresentação do Dossiê "Atores da Reciclagem e Dinâmicas Urbanas"

Resumen: Introducción: El terreno del paciente con cirrosis que requiere una intervención quirúrgica ha sido poco explorado. En México, a la fecha no contamos con un posicionamiento formal o recomendaciones de expertos que ayuden a la toma de decisiones clínicas en este contexto. Objetivos: Revisar la evidencia existente sobre el riesgo, pronóstico, precauciones, cuidados especiales y manejo o proceder específico para los pacientes con cirrosis que requieren ser intervenidos quirúrgicamente o mediante procedimientos invasivos, para emitir recomendaciones por un panel experto, basadas en la mejor evidencia publicada para la atención oportuna, de calidad, eficiente y con el menor riesgo posible en este grupo específico de pacientes. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 27 recomendaciones, en donde se abordan el terreno preoperatorio, el escenario transoperatorio y el seguimiento y cuidados postoperatorios. Conclusiones: La valoración y el cuidado del paciente con cirrosis que requiere un procedimiento quirúrgico o invasivo mayor debe estar a cargo de un equipo multidisciplinario que brinde soporte al cirujano durante todo el perioperatorio; este equipo debe incluir al anestesiólogo, al hepatólogo, al gastroenterólogo y al nutriólogo clínico. En el paciente descompensado puede ser necesario involucrar especialistas en nefrología, ya que la función renal es un parámetro implicado también en el pronóstico de estos pacientes. Abstract: Introduction: Management of the patient with cirrhosis of the liver that requires surgical treatment has been relatively unexplored. In Mexico, there is currently no formal stance or expert recommendations to guide clinical decision-making in this context. Aims: The present position paper reviews the existing evidence on risks, prognoses, precautions, special care, and specific management or procedures for patients with cirrhosis that require surgical interventions or invasive procedures. Our aim is to provide recommendations by an expert panel, based on the best published evidence, and consequently ensure timely, quality, efficient, and low-risk care for this specific group of patients. Results: Twenty-seven recommendations were developed that address preoperative considerations, intraoperative settings, and postoperative follow-up and care. Conclusions: The assessment and care of patients with cirrhosis that require major surgical or invasive procedures should be overseen by a multidisciplinary team that includes the anesthesiologist, hepatologist, gastroenterologist, and clinical nutritionist. With respect to decompensated patients, a nephrology specialist may be required, given that kidney function is also a parameter involved in the prognosis of these patients.

Urban geosites are an important resource for science, geoeducation and geotourism that may provide multiple benefits for local communities. The gigantic Mexico City is settled in a paleolake basin sur- rounded by Quaternary volcanic ranges. The SW corner of the city has spread over two of these ranges, Sierra Chichinautzin and the Sierra de las Cruces, leaving few outcrops in the dense urban network that are preserved in public parks. We present here the results of our study of the geological characteristics of two parks managed by local communities. We found surprisingly high geodiversity in these parks and their directly surrounding areas which, along with their accessibility, give them elevated geoeducation and geotourism values. This geodiversity is combined with biodiversity, creating a geo-bio-heritage that is, however, threatened by anthropic activities. We designed geopaths and, as a first approach to the communities, we organized field excursions along them which were highly successful in raising the knowledge and interest of local people on their geo-bio-heritage and also contributed to their aware- ness of anthropic threats that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable management for their conservation. Our project hence represents the first step of a strategy to promote the natural heritage to local communities, contribute to its conservation, and reduce the gap between science and society.

Social Impact Statement The genetic variation of crop wild relatives will be key for our survival, as environmental change represents an increasing global threat for agriculture and food security. Cucurbita lundelliana and Cucurbita okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii are wild relatives of cultivated squashes and pumpkins that could be used for crop improvement. A genomic approach was used to characterize genetic resources in these taxa, that is, to identify candidate sites in the genome involved in responses to abiotic stress, and to understand the roles of gene flow and environmental differentiation in their divergence. This study highlights the importance of conserving these two species as phytogenetic resources for crop improvement. Summary Crop wild relatives (CWR) are reservoirs of genetic diversity and they are important for the maintenance of crop evolutionary potential. Mexico is the centre of domestication and diversity for many CWR. The genus Cucurbita originated in America, where at least six independent domestication events took place. Nonetheless, Cucurbita CWR have been seldom studied. In the present study, we test the role of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and secondary contact in the divergence of C. okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii and C. lundelliana. Additionally, we seek to understand the role of environmental differentiation in their divergence. We obtained 1,638 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 107 individuals from the most recently diverged wild species in this genus, encompassing 25 localities of C. lundelliana and nine localities of C. okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii in Mexico. We found higher genetic variation in C. lundelliana (HE = 0.227) than in C. okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii (HE = 0.187). Each taxon constitutes a well‐differentiated genetic group, with an area of introgression in Pantanos de Centla. We found candidate loci associated to hydric and thermal stress, which could be valuable for crop improvement. Our study supported a scenario of ILS followed by secondary contact, where divergence was probably driven by Pleistocene climate change. These CWR represent important phytogenetic resources for crop improvement given their high levels of genetic variation and differentiation and their SNPs associated to different climatic variables.

Current research has not fully explored how summer programming camps can help students increase motivation and interest to pursue computing career, and their programming knowledge. Informal CS education through summer programming camps provides K-12 students the opportunity to learn how to code through fun and interactive activities outside of their typical classroom experiences. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of a weeklong summer programming camp for promoting students' motivation and interest in programming, and their programming knowledge. Participants were 19 middle school students from rural Washington. Students participated in a project-based learning approach through game development in Python. Using a within-subjects design, we analyzed students' pre and post motivation and knowledge assessment scores. Results from the analysis indicated a significant improvement in post-test programming knowledge scores (d = 0.93). The findings also indicated that students were able to achieve basic abstraction and algorithmic thinking but not code analysis and debugging skills. On their motivation to pursue computing careers, the results did not show any difference before and after the camp due to their prior existing interest in attending the camp.

Background: Bystanders' role in bullying situations is important, and may exacerbate or minimize the problem. Thus, this article aims to identify the characteristics of anti-bullying programs with an emphasis on bystanders. Methods: This is a scoping review. We included studies that addressed interventions with an emphasis on bystanders, carried out with school children and adolescents, aimed at reducing bullying/cyberbullying and/or increasing defending behavior. Fifteen portals/databases were searched. The selection and extraction processes were carried out through the blind review strategy. The synthesis took place descriptively. Results: We found 12 interventions. The most investigated were KiVa (n = 9), STAC (n = 3), and Curriculum-Based Anti-Bullying (n = 2). Conclusions: There are few anti-bullying programs with an emphasis on bystanders, and the majority are universal programs with strategies applied by teachers, giving little attention to parents. Moreover, most of these programs lack a broader mix of anti-bullying strategies. Therefore, we suggest developing anti-bullying programs with multiple components that contain universal, selective, and indicated strategies.