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El objetivo fue determinar la presencia de genes de resistencia a carbapenémicos y resistencia plasmídica a colistina (mcr-1) en bacterias aisladas de Musca domestica en un basural cercano a un hospital de Lima, Perú. Las bacterias con resistencia fenotípica a los carbapénemicos se aislaron en medio CHROMagar mSuperCARBATM y el perfil de resistencia a colistina se realizó mediante el método de elución de discos de colistina. La detección de genes blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaOXA-48, blaVIM y mcr-1 se realizó mediante PCR convencional. El perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana se determinó mediante el sistema automatizado MicroScan. Las bacterias con resistencia fenotípica a carbapenémicos fueron 31/38 cepas y a colistina fueron 26/38 cepas con una concentración inhibitoria mínima ≥ 4 μg/ml. Finalmente, se identificaron siete cepas bacterianas con genes de resistencia a carbapenémicos (OXA-48 Y KPC) y una cepa bacteriana con resistencia plasmídica a colistina (mcr-1). Una cepa de Escherichia coli presentó tres genes de resistencia: KPC, OXA-48 y mcr-1.

This paper is devoted to the mathematical analysis of the contact capabilities of the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model with seepage reported in [Comput. Methods Appl. Mech., 392:114637, 2022]. In the case of a rigid disk moving over a fixed horizontal plane, we show that this model encompasses contact and hence removes the non collision paradox of traditional FSI models which rely on Dirichlet or Dirichlet/Navier boundary conditions. Numerical evidence on the theoretical results is also provided.

Currently, agroindustrial waste can be used to obtain bioactive compounds. The solid-state fermentation is an alternative for the valorization of these waste and to be able to release bioactive compounds that may be of interest to different industrial sectors. The aim of this study was to evaluate solid-state fermentation conditions using pineapple peel waste as the substrate with Aspergillus niger spp., to release bioactive compounds using a Plackett–Burman exploratory design. Temperature, humidity, inoculum, NaNO3, MgSO4, KCl, and KH2PO4 conditions in the fermentation process were evaluated. The antioxidant capacity was determined, and the main compounds of the fermentation extracts were identified. The results revealed that the Aspergillus niger HT3 strain reached a hydrolyzable tannin release of 10.00 mg/g, While Aspergillus niger Aa20 reached a condensed tannin release of 82.59 mg/g. The KH2PO4 affects the release of condensed tannins with A. niger Aa20, and MgSO4 affects the release of hydrolyzable tannins with A. niger HT3. In addition, a positive antioxidant activity was demonstrated for the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP technique. The main compounds in the fermented pineapple peel were 3-feruloylquinic acid, caffeic acid, lariciresinol, and 3-hydroxyphloretin 2′-O-xylosyl-glucoside, among others. The solid-state fermentation process is a biotechnological alternative for the release of bioactive compounds.

In this work, the diversity of the genus Orbiniella in the Nordic Seas and the North Atlantic waters south of Iceland is studied based on the analyses of molecular markers (mitochondrial COI, 16S rDNA and nuclear ITS2) and morphological characters. Our results showed the presence of at least five genetic lineages in the studied material which could also be morphologically identified by their segmental annulation patterns, the number and the shape of acicular spines, and the length and the shape of pygidial lobes. The species name Orbiniella petersenae is assigned to one of the lineages restricting its geographical and vertical distribution to the deep-sea areas north of Iceland and Jan Mayen, and three lineages are described as new species (i.e., Orbiniella griegi Meca & Budaeva, sp. nov., Orbiniella mayhemi Meca & Budaeva, sp. nov., and Orbiniella parapari Meca & Budaeva, sp. nov.) elevating the number of known species in the genus to 25. Three deep-sea species of Orbiniella in our study are reported only north of the Greenland-Iceland-Scotland Ridge, one deep-sea species found south of the ridge. A single shallow-water species is distributed along the ridge and on the Norwegian shelf.

Abstract Model Hamiltonians are regularly derived from first principles to describe correlated matter. However, the standard methods for this contain a number of largely unexplored approximations. For a strongly correlated impurity model system, here we carefully compare a standard downfolding technique with the best possible ground-truth estimates for charge-neutral excited-state energies and wave functions using state-of-the-art first-principles many-body wave function approaches. To this end, we use the vanadocene molecule and analyze all downfolding aspects, including the Hamiltonian form, target basis, double-counting correction, and Coulomb interaction screening models. We find that the choice of target-space basis functions emerges as a key factor for the quality of the downfolded results, while orbital-dependent double-counting corrections diminish the quality. Background screening of the Coulomb interaction matrix elements primarily affects crystal-field excitations. Our benchmark uncovers the relative importance of each downfolding step and offers insights into the potential accuracy of minimal downfolded model Hamiltonians.

Abstract Stable laser resonators support three fundamental families of transverse modes: the Hermite, Laguerre, and Ince Gaussian modes. These modes are crucial for understanding complex resonators, beam propagation, and structured light. We experimentally observe a new family of fundamental laser modes in stable resonators: Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes. By studying the isomorphism between laser cavities and quadratic Hamiltonians, we design a laser resonator equivalent to a quantum two-dimensional anisotropic harmonic oscillator with a 2:1 frequency ratio. The generated Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes exhibit a parabolic structure and show remarkable agreement with our theoretical predictions. These modes are also eigenmodes of a 2:1 anisotropic gradient refractive index medium, suggesting their presence in any physical system with a 2:1 anisotropic quadratic potential. We identify a transition connecting Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes to Weber nondiffractive parabolic beams. These new modes are foundational for structured light, and open exciting possibilities for applications in laser micromachining, particle micromanipulation, and optical communications.

Abstract Power system protection and asset management present persistent technical challenges, particularly in the context of the smart grid and renewable energy sectors. This paper aims to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive assessment of machine learning applications for effective asset management in power systems. The study focuses on the increasing demand for energy production while maintaining environmental sustainability and efficiency. By harnessing the power of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL), this research explores how ML techniques can be leveraged as powerful tools for the power industry. By showcasing practical applications and success stories, this paper demonstrates the growing acceptance of machine learning as a significant technology for current and future business needs in the power sector. Additionally, the study examines the barriers and difficulties of large‐scale ML deployment in practical settings while exploring potential opportunities for these tactics. Through this overview, insights into the transformative potential of ML in shaping the future of power system asset management are provided.

Abstract Environmental exposure to heavy metals and metalloids, originating from sources such as mining and manufacturing activities, has been linked to adverse renal effects. This cross-sectional study assessed children's exposure to these elements and its association with urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). We analyzed data from 99 school-aged children residing in nine localities within the state of Colima, Mexico, during the latter half of 2023. Levels of 23 metals/metalloids and urinary KIM-1 were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Detectable levels of these contaminants were found in over 91% of participants, with varied exposure profiles observed across locations ( $$p$$ p = 0.019). After adjusting for confounding factors like gender, age, and locality, higher levels of six metals/metalloids (boron, cadmium, cesium, lithium, selenium, zinc) were significantly associated with increased KIM-1 levels. Tailored mitigation efforts are crucial to protect children from regional pollutant burdens. However, limitations exist, as our study did not capture all potential factors influencing heavy metal/metalloid and KIM-1 levels.

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a relatively new advancement in the world of cancer therapy. As such, their adverse effects have yet to be fully understood, with only recent literature documenting autoimmune phenomena secondary to their utilization. Specific immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently been linked with the development of myasthenia gravis, which is classically known to manifest spontaneously in patients. Given the relative rarity of this presentation, the risk of misdiagnosis and subsequent mortality and morbidity is concerning. Case presentation We discuss the case of a 73-year-old male who presented with clinical symptoms of myasthenia gravis and myositis shortly after beginning treatment with Pembrolizumab. The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was initially missed at an outside hospital, which delayed initiation of proper treatment. Conclusion While the incidence of “de-novo” diseases secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors might be increasing, guidelines regarding best treatment options do not yet exist, leaving many providers at a loss when faced with making clinical decisions surrounding patients with De novo myasthenia gravis. Thus, our goal is to underscore the importance of early recognition of this disease, and emphasize the need for a standard of care as immune checkpoint inhibitors usage becomes more prevalent.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: A concern with the ESKAPE pathogen, Enterobacter bugandensis, and other species of the Enterobacter cloacae complex, is the frequent appearance of multidrug resistance against last-resort antibiotics, such as polymyxins. Methods: Here, we investigated the responses to polymyxin B (PMB) in two PMB-resistant E. bugandensis clinical isolates by global transcriptomics and deletion mutagenesis. Results: In both isolates, the genes of the CrrAB-regulated operon, including crrC and kexD, displayed the highest levels of upregulation in response to PMB. ∆crrC and ∆kexD mutants became highly susceptible to PMB and lost the heteroresistant phenotype. Conversely, heterologous expression of CrrC and KexD proteins increased PMB resistance in a sensitive Enterobacter ludwigii clinical isolate and in the Escherichia coli K12 strain, W3110. The efflux pump, AcrABTolC, and the two component regulators, PhoPQ and CrrAB, also contributed to PMB resistance and heteroresistance. Additionally, the lipid A modification with 4-L-aminoarabinose (L-Ara4N), mediated by the arnBCADTEF operon, was critical to determine PMB resistance. Biochemical experiments, supported by mass spectrometry and structural modelling, indicated that CrrC is an inner membrane protein that interacts with the membrane domain of the KexD pump. Similar interactions were modeled for AcrB and AcrD efflux pumps. Conclusion: Our results support a model where drug efflux potentiated by CrrC interaction with membrane domains of major efflux pumps combined with resistance to PMB entry by the L-Ara4N lipid A modification, under the control of PhoPQ and CrrAB, confers the bacterium high-level resistance and heteroresistance to PMB.

Abstract The alteration of structure and function of gut microbiota (dysbiosis) appears to be a major factor associated with metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and subsequent development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the consumption of fermented milks is a promising strategy to enhance health and restore the function of gut microbiota; specifically, in individuals with intestinal dysbiosis and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential association between gut microbiota and the hypocholesterolemic effect of fermented milks with Lactococcus lactis NRRL B-571 (FM-571), NRRL B-572 (FM-572) and NRRL B-600 (FM-600) in Sprague–Dawley rats. Fermented milks were administered to hypercholesterolemic Sprague–Dawley rats during seven weeks. At the end of the experimental period, fecal and colonic microbiota were characterized using 16S RNA gene sequencing. Also, the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content was quantified in feces. Results showed that a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) altered the bacterial community in both fecal and mucosal samples. The consumption of fermented milks, specifically FM-572 promoted changes in the structure (beta diversity) in fecal, but not in mucosal microbiota. The levels of SCFAs in feces were improved after fermented milks consumption. From all SCFAs, butyrate was negatively correlated with total cholesterol, LDL-C (p

Pancreatic cancer is a type of gastrointestinal tumor with a growing incidence and mortality worldwide. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) constitutes 90% of cases, and late-stage diagnosis is common, leading to a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% in high-income countries. The use of biomarkers has different proven translational applications, facilitating early diagnosis, accurate prognosis and identification of potential therapeutic targets. Several studies have shown a correlation between the tissue expression levels of various molecules, measured through immunohistochemistry (IHC), and survival rates in PDAC. Following the hallmarks of cancer, epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming, together with immune evasion and tumor-promoted inflammation, plays a critical role in cancer initiation and development. In this study, we aim to explore via IHC and Kaplan–Meier analyses the prognostic value of various epigenetic-related markers (histones 3 and 4 (H3/H4), histone acetyl transferase 1 (HAT-1), Anti-Silencing Function 1 protein (ASF1), Nuclear Autoantigenic Sperm Protein (NASP), Retinol Binding Protein 7 (RBBP7), importin 4 (IPO4) and IPO5), metabolic regulators (Phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM)) and inflammatory mediators (allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1), interleukin 10 (IL-10), IL-12A and IL-18) in patients with PDAC. Also, through a correlation analysis, we have explored the possible interconnections in the expression levels of these molecules. Our results show that higher expression levels of these molecules are directly associated with poorer survival rates in PDAC patients, except in the case of IL-10, which shows an inverse association with mortality. HAT1 was the molecule more clearly associated with mortality, with a hazard risk of 21.74. The correlogram demonstrates an important correlation between almost all molecules studied (except in the case of IL-18), highlighting potential interactions between these molecules. Overall, our study demonstrates the relevance of including different markers from IHC techniques in order to identify unexplored molecules to develop more accurate prognosis methods and possible targeted therapies. Additionally, our correlation analysis reveals potential interactions among these markers, offering insights into PDAC’s pathogenesis and paving the way for targeted therapies tailored to individual patient profiles. Future studies should be conducted to confirm the prognostic value of these components in PDAC in a broader sample size, as well as to evaluate the possible biological networks connecting them.

Abstract Background Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a serious condition that occurs when the retina detaches from its underlying retinal pigment epithelium. RRDs associated with giant retinal tears (GRTs) are caused by retinal tears at least 90° or one-quarter of the circumferential extent. This scoping review systematically identifies and summarizes clinical studies evaluating surgical techniques for the management of GRT-related RRDs, discusses functional and visual outcomes and the risk factors affecting treatment outcomes. Methods This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Springer Link databases were searched for relevant papers (from January 2001 to March 2023). Studies that were published in the English language and reported the risk factors, management, and treatment outcomes of GRT-related RRDs were included in the review. The outcome measures included anatomic success rates, changes in BCVA (logMAR) from baseline to the final follow-up, and adverse events. Results A total of 11,982 articles were identified. After the title and abstract review, 71 studies were deemed eligible for full-text review. Thirty-six studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the final review. Four surgical techniques were identified: pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), combined PPV and scleral buckling, scleral buckling alone, and pneumatic retinopexy. Various types of tamponades, including gas, silicone oil, and air, have been used. PPV was the most commonly used surgical technique in 33.1–100% of patients. Among the 20 studies that used PPV alone, 17 were associated with preoperative PVR. In addition, scleral buckling alone or in combination with PPV was reported as a treatment option in 10 studies, with 2–100% of patients experiencing scleral buckling alone and 13.6–100% experiencing combined PPV and complementary scleral buckling. Primary anatomic success (PAS) was achieved with retinal reattachment via a single operation with no residual tamponade, whereas final anatomic success (FAS) was achieved via more than one operation with no residual tamponade. Reported single surgery anatomic success (SSAS) rates range from 65.51 to 100%. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 0.067 to 2.47 logMAR, whereas the postoperative BCVA ranged from 0.08 to 2.3 logMAR. An improvement in visual acuity was observed in 29 studies. Cataracts (3.9-28.3%) were the most common postoperative complication, followed by high IOP (0.01-51.2%) and PVR (0.8-31.57%). Conclusion PPV is the most common surgical technique, and currently microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) systems are commonly employed. Silicone oil is the most frequently used tamponade in RRD repair. Risk factors for GRT-related RRD include age, sex, lens status, high myopia status, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), presenting visual acuity, the extent of the GRT and retinal detachment, and macular involvement. Future research areas include guidelines to reduce variability in the reporting of surgical methodology, choice of tamponades, and reporting of functional and visual outcomes to inform the best therapeutic interventions in GRT-related RRD.

Abstract Background Myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) is a complication of pathological myopia and encompasses various pathological conditions caused by tractional changes in the eye. These changes include retinoschisis, foveal retinal detachment, and lamellar or full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). This meta-analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of novel surgical for treating MTM. Methods To compare the outcomes of different surgical approaches for MTM, multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Meta-Register of Controlled Trials, were comprehensively searched. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1. Results Nine comparative studies involving 350 eyes were included in this meta-analysis. There were significant differences between fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSIP) and standard internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity BCVA (standard mean difference (SMD): -0.10, 95% CI: -0.32 to 0.12) and central foveal thickness CFT (SMD: 0.05, 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.33) were not significantly different (p = 0.39 and p = 0.71, respectively). However, the postoperative BCVA improved significantly (SMD = − 0.47, 95% CI: − 0.80, − 0.14, p = 0.006) in the FSIP group compared to the standard ILMP group. Postoperative CFT did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.62). The FSIP group had a greater anatomical success rate than the other groups, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.26). The incidence of postoperative macular hole formation was significantly lower (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.07–0.54; p = 0.05) in the FSIP group than in the standard ILMP group. The unique characteristics of highly myopic eyes, such as increased axial length and structural changes, may have contributed to the greater incidence of FTMH in the ILMP group. Conclusion Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, FSIP is the initial surgical approach for early-stage MTM and has shown promising outcomes. However, to establish the safest and most efficient surgical technique for treating different MTM stages, further comparative studies, specifically those focusing on ILMP and FSIP, are necessary. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

A infecção pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV) é o principal fator de risco para o câncer cervical. Recentemente, a composição da comunidade de bactérias presentes na região cervical tem sido considerada um fator de risco para infecção pelo HPV e para o processo de carcinogênese cervical. A queda na proporção dos lactobacilos e o aumento da diversidade bacteriana, é considerada uma disbiose e está associada com a persistência do HPV. No tumor, o perfil de bactérias tem sido associado com a resposta imunológica intratumoral e com a resposta à terapia oncológica em diferentes tipos de câncer. Conhecer a composição taxonômica presente no tecido tumoral do câncer cervical constitui um passo inicial para entender o papel de cada organismo e sua interação no desenvolvimento e prognóstico desta neoplasia. Esses dados podem trazer alternativas para o desenvolvimento de medidas de prevenção, rastreamento e tratamento para este câncer. Com isso, o objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar a microbiota presente no tecido tumoral do câncer cervical através do sequenciamento shotgun. O DNA isolado a partir do tecido de câncer cervical de 26 pacientes atendidas no Instituto Nacional de Câncer foi submetido ao sequenciamento em larga escala na plataforma Illumina HiSeq2500. As sequências geradas foram filtradas quanto à qualidade e atribuídas a um táxon através da identificação de sequências específicas de cada táxon e de similaridade com sequências depositadas em bancos de dados com os programas MetaPhlAn4.1 e Kraken2. A composição do microbioma foi avaliada quanto à diversidade taxonômica. Análises estatísticas serão realizadas comparando essa diversidade entre as amostras com diferentes tipos histológicos, estadiamento tumoral e genótipos do HPV. Na análise taxonômica foram identificadas 64 espécies e 41 gêneros de bactérias. Os gêneros mais prevalentes foram Porphyromonas e Prevotella. A maioria das amostras com mais de um tipo do HPV apresentou uma maior diversidade de gêneros de bactérias quando comparada às positivas para um só tipo do HPV. A caracterização da microbiota intratumoral do câncer cervical revelou uma diversidade significativa de microrganismos, que podem estar associados com o desenvolvimento e com a progressão da doença.Estes achados destacam a necessidade de avaliar o microbioma e seu papel no microambiente tumoral para desenvolver estratégias terapêuticas e de rastreio mais eficazes. Palavras-chave: Papilomavírus Humano, Microbiota, Análise Metagenômica. Conflitos de interesse: Não houve conflitos de interesse. Ética e financiamentos: Não houve conflitos de interesse.

This study investigates the impact of cross-cultural adjustment and subjective well-being on the achievements and intentions of Spanish self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) regarding their decision to stay abroad or return to Spain. Using resource conservation theory, the research examines how SIEs’ agency influences their adjustment and well-being, thus affecting their achievement and propensity to repatriate. A tailored online survey was administered to Spanish SIEs, incorporating validated scales to cross-cultural adjustment, subjective well-being, and intention to stay abroad. Using non-probability sampling, a final sample of 309 SIEs was obtained. Data analysis employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the hypotheses. The results show that improved adjustment and well-being of SIEs correlate with improved achievement and reduced likelihood of repatriation. These results underline the importance of cultural adjustment and subjective well-being in shaping SIEs’ expatriation experiences and their intentions to stay abroad. Furthermore, the research lays the groundwork for future comparative studies and underlines the need for home institutions to facilitate the repatriation process. Moreover, the implications of the findings for management offer ideas for improving the experiences of SIEs abroad and recognising their value as assets to both national and global organizations, while addressing the challenges associated with repatriation.

Background: Corn is the most important crop in Mexico, but it can be affected by climate change. Small farmers from arid and semiarid ecosystems mainly use rainfed native landraces with short productive cycles (less than 90 days), which are adapted to elevated temperatures and intense drought. Among these landraces we can find the Norther Conical corn. Hypothesis: As Northern Conical seems to be adapted to arid agroecosystems, we hypothesize that this corn landrace can tolerate the mid-century climate change conditions. Studied species: Zea mays subsp. mays (Poaceae), Northern Conical landrace. Study site and dates: An abandoned agricultural field in San Luis Potosí, central Mexico, between August and October 2022. Methods: In a field experiment, corn seeds were sowed under the conditions of higher temperature and lower rainfall predicted by the middle of this century (period 2041-2060), as well as under the current climate. Emergence and survival of plants were regularly monitored, and their functional responses were measured by the end of the experiment. Results: Northern Conical plants performed better (in terms of emergence, survival, growth rates, and photosynthetic performance) under higher temperature and lower rainfall, as compared with those developed under the current climate. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the Northern Conical corn landrace may tolerate the increases in aridity expected in the short term. However, simulations under contrasting environmental and ontogenetical conditions are needed.

Summary: Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified a range of symptomatic manifestations to aid in the clinical diagnosis of post-COVID conditions, herein referred to as post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. We conducted an international network cohort study to estimate the burden of these symptoms in North American, European, and Asian populations. Methods: A federated analysis was conducted including 10 databases from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Spain, France, South Korea, and the United States, between September 1st 2020 and latest data availability (which varied from December 31st 2021 to February 28th 2023), covering primary and secondary care, nationwide registries, and claims data, all mapped to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP CDM). We defined two cohorts for the main analyses: a SARS-CoV-2 infection cohort [positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid lateral flow test (LFT) result or clinical COVID-19 diagnosis] and a general population cohort. Individuals with less than 365 days of prior history or 120 days of follow-up were excluded. We estimated incidence rates (IRs) of the 25 WHO-proposed post-acute COVID-19 symptoms, considering symptoms that occurred ≥90 and ≤365 days after index date, excluding individuals with the respective symptoms 180 days prior to the index event. Stratified analyses were conducted by age and sex. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated comparing rates in the infected cohort versus the general population. Results from the different databases were combined using random-effects meta-analyses. Findings: 3,019,408 individuals were included in the infection cohort. 1,585,160 of them were female and 1,434,248 of them male. 929,351,505 individuals were included in the general population group. 461,195,036 of them were female and 466,022,004 of them male. The 1-year IR of any post-acute COVID-19 symptom in the COVID-19 infection cohort varied significantly across databases, from 4.4 (95% CI 3.8–5.1) per 100 person-years to 103.9 (95% CI 103.2–104.7). The five most common symptoms were joint pain (from 1.6 (95% CI 1.3–1.9) to 14.3 (95% CI 14.1–14.6)), abdominal pain (from 0.3 (95% CI 0.1–0.5) to 9.9 (95% CI 9.7–10.1)), gastrointestinal issues (from 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.9) to 13.3 (95% CI 13.1–13.6)), cough (from 0.3 (95% CI 0.2–0.5) to 9.1 (95% CI 8.9–9.3)), and anxiety (from 0.8 (95% CI 0.6–1.2) to 11.4 (95% CI 11.2–11.6)); whereas muscle spasms (from 0.01 (95% CI 0.008–0.2) to 1.7 (95% CI 1.6–1.8)), pins and needles (from 0.05 (95% CI 0.03–0.0.9) to 1.5 (95% CI 1.4–1.6)), memory issues (from 0.03 (95% CI 0.02–0.06) to 0.8 (95% CI 0.7–0.8)), cognitive dysfunction (from 0.007 (95% CI 0.004–0.01) to 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.8)), and altered smell and/or taste (from 0.04 (95% CI 0.03–0.04) to 0.7 (95% CI 0.6–0.8)) were least common. Incidence rates of any post-acute COVID-19 symptoms generally increased with age, with certain symptoms peaking in middle-aged adults (anxiety, depressive disorders, headache, altered smell and taste) and others in pre-school children (gastrointestinal issues and cough). Females had higher incidence rates for most symptoms. Based on the random-effects model, the infected cohort had a higher incidence of any post-acute COVID-19 symptom than the general population, with a meta-analytic incidence rate ratio (meta-IRR) of 1.4 (1–2). A similar pattern was seen for all individual symptoms. The highest meta-IRRs were depressive disorder, 2.6 (1.7–3.9); anxiety, 2.3 (1.4–3.8); allergy, 2.1 (1.7–2.8) and sleep disorders, 2.1 (1.5–2.6). The meta-IRR for altered smell and/or taste was 1.9 (1.3–2.8). Interpretation: Post-acute COVID-19 symptoms, as listed by the WHO, were commonly observed following COVID-19 infection. However, even after standardising research methods, there was significant heterogeneity in the incidence rates from different healthcare settings and geographical locations. This is the first international study of the epidemiology of post-acute COVID-19 symptoms using the WHO-listed symptoms. Its findings contibute to understand the epidemiology of this condition from a multinational approach. Limitations of this study include the lack of consensus of the post-acute COVID-19 definition, as well as the difficulty to capture the impact on daily life of the post-acute COVID-19 symptoms in the available datasets. Funding: This work has been funded by the European Health Data Evidence Network (EHDEN) through an Evidence Generation Fund Grant and by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

ABSTRACT The interaction of biochar with mineral fertilization has attracted attention as a strategy to reduce N losses and enhance nitrogen use efficiency. In this study, we investigated the coapplication of biochar with two optimized fertilization strategies based on split urea and a microbial inoculant (Azospirillum brasilense) in a commercial pointed white cabbage crop. Additionally, we evaluated a third optimized N fertilization alternative, a biochar‐based fertilizer (BBF) enriched in plant‐available N, which was developed from the same biochar. We assessed environmental impacts such as greenhouse gasses (GHG) and NH3 emissions, yield‐scaled N2O emissions, and global warming potential (GWP). Additionally, we evaluated agronomical outcomes such as crop yield, plant N, and chlorophyll concentration. Moreover, we examined the N‐fixing gene's total and relative abundance (nifH and nifH/16S). Biochar and BBF exhibited similar crop yield, GHG, and NH3 emissions compared to split applications of the synthetic fertilizer. The main difference was associated with the higher soil C sequestration in biochar and BBF treatments that reduced the associated GWP of these fertilization strategies. Finally, biochar favored the activity of the N‐fixing bacteria spread, compared to the sole application of bacteria and BBF demonstrated a promoting effect in the soil's total abundance of natural N‐fixing bacteria.

Laboratorial diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is hampered by variable sensitivity and/or specificity of the tests, which are still hampered by blood́ invasive collection. In this context, in the present study, we develop a serum- and urine-based ELISA to TL diagnoses. A recombinant protein (rLiHyA), which was previously showed to be antigenic for the disease, as well as a B-cell epitope produced as synthetic peptide and a Leishmania antigenic extract (SLA), were used as antigens. A total of paired 205 urine and serum samples were used, which were comprised by samples from cutaneous (n = 30) and mucosal (n = 30) leishmaniasis patients, as well as from healthy individuals living in endemic region of disease (n = 45), of patients with Chagas disease (n = 30), leprosy (n = 35), malaria (n = 15) or HIV-infected (n = 20). Results showed that serum-based ELISA presented sensitivity of 24.0 %, 100 % and 41.0 %, when SLA, rLiHyA and synthetic peptide were used as antigens, and specificity of 98.4 %, 98.4 % and 98.4 %, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and results were 0.74, 1.0, and 0.71, respectively, when SLA, rLiHyA and synthetic peptide were used as antigens. Performing an urine-based ELISA, sensitivity was 28.0 %, 100 % and 75.0 %, respectively, when SLA, rLiHyA, and synthetic peptide were used, while specificity values were of 98.4 %, 98.4 % and 98.4 %, respectively. In addition, the AUC values were 0.82, 1.0, and 0.94, respectively. A significant drop in specific antibodies levels in both patientś serum and urine samples was found six months after treatment, suggesting a prognostic role of rLiHyA for TL. In conclusion, preliminary data suggest the potential of use patient urine to TL diagnoses.

Urbanization has profound effects on wildlife. Although some species benefit or even thrive in urban environments, most species respond differently to the varying degrees of disturbance that can be found across an urbanized landscape. Quantifying the effects of urbanization in wildlife distributions, however, is complicated: species vary in their patterns of presence/absence, abundance, and detectability across spatial and temporal scales, e.g., daily, seasonal, or throughout the annual cycle. Here, we use occupancy models to offer a realistic approach to the study of populations of urban owls. Most studies on owl population dynamics have not considered temporal variation in occupancy between seasons or assess the uneven effects of urbanization along a habitat gradient. We investigated the seasonal habitat associations of mottled owls along an urban gradient in the Neotropical city of Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Using high-resolution satellite images and object-based image classification techniques, were analyzed the relationship between different vegetation and environmental characteristics with the occupancy of mottled owls. We employed different sampling techniques, including playback surveys and silent listening periods, to detect the presence or absence of owls along a gradient from highest to lowest urbanization. Environmental data and different vegetation types were used to analyze the habitat associations of mottled owls during January (late non-breeding season) and May (late breeding season) of 2023. In total, we detected 68 mottled owls during the non-breeding season and 102 during the breeding season, with higher detection rates in areas with >28 % forest surface. Our results revealed that the best occupancy model included forest and forest division (occupancy), ambient noise and moonlight (detection) for the non-breeding season, as well as urban, forest, grass, and forest division (occupancy), and noise (detection) for the breeding season. The percentage of forested and grass areas positively influenced mottled owl occupancy while the percentage of urbanization and forest division influenced it negatively. Moonlight was positively related to mottled owl detection, while ambient noise had a negative effect on detection probabilities of mottled owls during both seasons. Forested areas emerged as pivotal for owl occupancy, indicating their sensitivity to forest changes along the urban gradient. With urban areas increasing, the interplay between forest division, ambient noise, and moonlight unveils critical insights into mottled owl behavior and habitat dynamics, underscoring the necessity for informed conservation strategies amidst urban expansion. Future research should survey different years to provide a more robust assessment of the dynamic occupancy of mottled owls in Neotropical urban gradients.

Introduction: The article examines the impact of combining work and study on the learning environment of university nursing students, providing insights into the types of employment, work characteristics, and the consequences of simultaneously studying and working throughout their nursing careers. Methods: Using data from a self-report questionnaire, the article analyzes the types of employment in which students engage, along with the resulting benefits, negative effects, and impact on the learning environment. Results: We found that 70% of students work, many driven by financial reasons. Among working students, 55% have a short part-time job, 25% have a long part-time job, and 20% engage in full-time employment. Additionally, around 40% of students work in jobs related to their career. Despite receiving low pay, a significant number of students work long hours, leading to sleep deprivation, with nearly 50% sleeping less than 6 h per night. Combining work and study has negative effects on the learning environment, leading to stress and exhaustion, mainly from studying at night. However, this combination also offers positive outcomes, such as fostering financial independence, supporting families, and providing valuable work experience, especially when the work aligns with their field of study. Conclusion: The article suggests that the balance between academic performance and workload depends on whether the work is related to the career and if students achieve an optimal work–life–college balance. We recommend that universities increase awareness of students' current workloads and consider introducing flexibility in assessments and course requirements. Resumen: Introducción: El artículo examina el impacto de combinar trabajo y estudio en el entorno de aprendizaje de los estudiantes universitarios de enfermería, proporcionando información sobre los tipos de empleo, las características del trabajo y las consecuencias de estudiar y trabajar simultáneamente a lo largo de sus carreras de enfermería. Métodos: Utilizando datos de un cuestionario de autoinforme, el artículo analiza los tipos de empleo en los que participan los estudiantes, junto con los beneficios resultantes, los efectos negativos y el impacto en el entorno de aprendizaje. Resultados: Descubrimos que el 70% de los estudiantes trabajan, muchos impulsados por razones financieras. Entre los estudiantes que trabajan, el 55% tiene un trabajo a tiempo parcial corto, el 25% tiene un trabajo a tiempo parcial largo y el 20% se dedica a empleos a tiempo completo. Además, alrededor del 40% de los estudiantes trabajan en empleos relacionados con su carrera. A pesar de recibir bajos salarios, un número significativo de estudiantes trabajan largas horas, lo que conduce a la privación del sueño, con casi el 50% durmiendo menos de 6 horas por noche. Combinar trabajo y estudio tiene efectos negativos en el entorno de aprendizaje, causando estrés y agotamiento, principalmente por estudiar por la noche. Sin embargo, esta combinación también ofrece resultados positivos, como fomentar la independencia financiera, apoyar a las familias y proporcionar una valiosa experiencia laboral, especialmente cuando el trabajo se alinea con su campo de estudio. Conclusión: El artículo sugiere que el equilibrio entre el rendimiento académico y la carga de trabajo depende de si el trabajo está relacionado con la carrera y de si los estudiantes logran un equilibrio óptimo entre trabajo, vida y estudios universitarios. Recomendamos que las universidades tomen conciencia de la carga de trabajo actual de los estudiantes y consideren introducir flexibilidad en las evaluaciones y requisitos del curso.

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El sitio de metástasis más común del melanoma es el tracto gastrointestinal, mientras que la incidencia de melanoma de intestino delgado con primario desconocido es extremadamente baja. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 66 años con tumor melanocítico en yeyuno, en el cual tras una exploración dirigida no se logró identificar el primario. En la literatura se cuenta con pocos reportes similares, por lo que se considera un caso relevante.

Abstract Plant health is crucial for maintaining the well‐being of humans, animals and the environment. Plant pathogens pose significant challenges to agricultural production, global food security and ecosystem biodiversity. This problem is exacerbated by the impact of climate change, which is expected to alter the emergence and evolution of plant pathogens and their interaction with their plant hosts. Traditional approaches to managing phytopathogens involved the use of chemical pesticides, but alternative strategies are needed to address their ongoing decline in performance as well as their negative impact on the environment and public health. Here, we highlight the advancement and effectiveness of biocontrol strategies based on the use of antimicrobial‐producing plant‐associated bacteria, anti‐virulence therapy (e.g. quorum quenching) and microbiome engineering as sustainable biotechnological approaches to promote plant health and foster sustainable agriculture. Notably, Enterobacterales are emerging as important biocontrol agents and as a source of new antimicrobials for potential agricultural use. We analysed here the genomes of over 250 plant‐associated enterobacteria to examine their potential to synthesize secondary metabolites. Exploration of the plant microbiome is of major interest in the search for eco‐friendly alternatives for reducing the use of chemical pesticides.

IntroductionSocial norms campaigns are communication strategies designed to influence people’s behaviour by highlighting the social norms of their reference group. Such campaigns have been shown to be effective in promoting healthy behaviours in a variety of settings. This study explored the effectiveness of a social norms campaign applied to COVID-19 protective behaviours among university students during the pandemic.MethodsA total of 141 university students (83.1% female, 16.9% male) with a mean age of 21.55 years (SD = 4.33) initially took part in an experimental pre-test-post-test longitudinal panel study between January and July 2022, with participants randomly assigned to a control group (46 participants) or an experimental group (95 participants). Considering the experimental attrition, only 83 participants completed the last questionnaire (81.9% female, 18.1% male; mean age = 22.12 years, SD = 5.29), of whom 32 belonged to the control group and 51 to the experimental group.ResultsThe Student’s t-test show that participants in the experimental group, who were exposed to the campaign, reported higher levels of self-efficacy, protective behavioural intention, and protective behaviours than the control group.DiscussionIt is concluded that social norms campaigns applied to COVID-19 protective behaviours are effective in times of pandemic and might be extrapolated to other epidemic contexts.

IntroductionExternal injuries in elasmobranchs are frequent findings, either due to inter- or intraspecific interactions or as a result of interaction with human activities. However, the resilience of these species to traumatic injury remains poorly understood. This work provides an insight into the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and pathological features of a severe traumatic injury to the cartilaginous skeleton of a spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela).MethodsAn adult female was found lethargic in the bottom of the coast of Gran Canaria, with an external incised-contused traumatic lesion of 2 cm diameter in the scapulocoracoid cartilage. It was captured and transferred to the Poema del Mar Aquarium for its clinical evaluation and treatment. Despite these efforts, the animal eventually died and was transfer to the Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA) for its pathological diagnosis, including a Computed Tomography (CT) study and necropsy.ResultsThe animal presented a marked reduction in hematocrit and hepatosomatic index due a chronic debilitation process. The CT scan revealed a destructive lesion with irregular margins at the level of the right scapulocoracoid cartilage. The main pathological findings were the disorganization of the tesserae layer, appearing as whitish square to rectangular geometric pieces separated from the cartilaginous core. Histologically, these pieces of tesserae were separated from the unmineralized cartilage core and displaced from the adjacent perichondrium, where inflammatory cells infiltrate. Edema and hemorrhages were also observed.ConclusionsThis study reports the first comprehensive description of skeleton trauma in a spiny butterfly ray, including the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging and the anatomopathological features.

Purpose: To compare the biomechanical properties of quadriceps tendon (QT) graft stitch methods using 3 different suture systems for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: A total of 48 QTs were harvested from cadaveric knee specimens (age: 73 ± 7 years; range, 66-86 years). Samples were randomly divided into 3 groups where different suture needle systems were used to create 2 stitch methods: whipstitch (WS) and locking stitch (LS). Surgeons performed each technique to 5 stitches, each 0.5 cm apart. Stitching time was recorded. Samples were preconditioned and then underwent cyclic loading, followed by load to failure. Stiffness (N/mm), ultimate failure load (N), peak-to-peak displacement (mm), elongation (mm), and failure displacement (mm) were recorded. Results: WS and LS were equivalent across stiffness, ultimate load, and peak-to-peak displacement within groups 2 and 3. In group 1, the LS was stiffer than the WS, but the WS achieved a higher ultimate load. For all groups, the LS achieved lower elongation and failure displacement than the WS, with significant differences in groups 1 and 2. Within each stitching method, equivalence was determined for total elongation and ultimate failure load for all 3 suture system groups. For WS samples, group 1 all failed from suture breakage, and both groups 2 and 3 had instances of failure from suture pull-through. All LS samples failed from suture breakage. Conclusions: Both LS and WS provide adequate mechanical properties in each of the 3 suture systems. Differences in performance do exist; however, each method shows equivalent total elongation and ultimate failure load for all 3 suture systems. LS may be preferred over WS due to lower mean elongation and failure displacement. Clinical Relevance: There is an increased use of QT grafts in for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, there have been a limited number of studies comparing various stitching methods and optimizing techniques for QT graft fixation. This study may provide important information to surgeons about which suture techniques have better biomechanical profiles.

Agricultural soils are responsible for ecological functions and services that include primary production of food, fiber and fuel, nutrient cycling, carbon cycling and storage, water infiltration and purification, among others. Fungi are important drivers of most of those ecosystem services. Given the importance of fungi in agricultural soils, in this study, we aimed to characterize and analyse the changes of the soil fungal communities of three cropping systems from Madeira Island, where family farming is predominant, and investigate the response of fungi and its functional groups to soil physicochemical properties. To achieve that, we sequenced amplicons targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the rRNA region, to analyse soil samples from 18 agrosystems: 6 vineyards (V), 6 banana plantations (B) and 6 vegetable plantations (H). Our results showed that alpha diversity indices of fungal communities are similar in the three cropping systems, but fungal composition and functional aspects varied among them, with more pronounced differences in B. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the main phyla found in the three cropping systems. Agaricomycetes and Sordariomycetes are the predominant classes in B, representing 23.8 and 22.4%, respectively, while Sordariomycetes (27.9%) followed by Eurotiomycetes (12.3%) were the predominant classes in V and Sordariomycetes (39.2%) followed by Tremellomycetes (8.9%) in the H. Saprotrophs are the fungal group showing higher relative abundance in the three cropping systems, followed by plant pathogens. Regarding symbionts, endophytes were highly observed in B, while mycorrhizal fungi was predominant in V and H. The structure of fungal communities was mainly correlated with soil content of P, K, N, Fe, and Cu. In addition, we identified bioindicators for each cropping system, which means that cultivated crops are also drivers of functional groups and the composition of communities. Overall, the three cropping systems favored diversity and growth of taxa that play important roles in soil, which highlights the importance of conservative management practices to maintain a healthy and resilient agrosystem.

Background: Elevated liver enzyme levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome in both obese and non-obese pediatric populations. This study aims to compare the serum liver enzyme levels in obese adolescents with and without insulin resistance (IR). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving obese adolescents aged 10-18. We assessed somatometry, serum insulin levels, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]). Statistical differences between groups were evaluated using Student’s t-test or the Chi-squared test, with IR (wIR) status matched by propensity scores based on body mass index (BMI) z-scores. Results: The study included 365 adolescents with obesity, 229 wIR, and 136 without (woIR). Before matching, the wIR group had a significantly higher BMI z-score (2.21 vs. 2.14, p = 0.032). After matching for BMI z-scores (n = 122 each group), the wIR group displayed significantly higher levels of AST (32.3 vs. 24.7, p < 0.001) and ALT (42.4 vs. 30.9, p < 0.001), but no significant differences were observed in GGT levels (37.4 vs. 32.5, p = 0.855). Conclusion: Obese adolescent’s wIR exhibit higher serum ALT and AST levels, suggesting that altered AST is a potential risk factor for IR.

IntroductionmHealth apps (MHA) are emerging as promising tools for cardiovascular risk assessment, but few meet the standards required for clinical use. We aim to evaluate the quality and functionality of mHealth apps for cardiovascular risk assessment by healthcare professionals.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of MHA for cardiovascular risk assessment in the Apple Store, Play Store, and Microsoft Store until August 2023. Our eligibility criteria were based on the 2021 European Society Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice, the Framingham Risk Score, and the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease score. Our protocol was drafted using the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. To assess quality, we used the validated Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS) score, which includes 19 items across four objective scales (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality) and one additional subjective scale. For functionality evaluation, we used the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality scale. We performed data synthesis by generating descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 18 MHA were included in the review. The most common scores used were the Framingham score, ASCVD score, and Score 2. Only six apps achieved an overall score of 4 or greater in the MARS evaluation. The MHA with the highest MARS score was ESC CVD Risk Calculation (5 points), followed by ASCVD Risk Estimator Plus (4.9 points). In the IMS scale, four MHA had a high functionality score: ASCVD Risk Estimator Plus (5 points), ESC CVD Risk Calculation (5 points), MDCalc Medical Calculator (4 points), and Calculate by QsMD (4 points).DiscussionA gap exists in the availability of high-quality MHA designed for healthcare professionals to facilitate shared decision-making in cardiovascular risk assessment.Systematic Review RegistrationThe International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, identifier CRD42023453807.

Testing and certification of solar technologies are crucial to characterize and guarantee their performance under different operating conditions. These procedures are even more relevant for novel solar technologies such as low-concentrating photovoltaic-thermal (LCPV-T) collectors. This paper presents the development and early-stage testing of a LCPV-T collector in a newly established testing laboratory based on a comprehensive review of international standards. The testing facility was designed, built, and commissioned in the north of Mexico, and it is the first of its kind in Latin America. It allows us to evaluate the thermal and electrical performance of LCPV-T collectors with a maximum area of 6 m2 and electrical peak power of 3 kWe. The operational temperature of the LCPV-T collectors can reach up to 120°C and can be characterized under steady-state and quasi-dynamic testing conditions.

Background: The circulation of vehicles, motorized or not, is a risky activity that can lead to a traffic accident in which all road users can be affected. Road accidents generate high personal, labor, health and economic costs, as well as civil, administrative and even criminal responsibilities. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a correct investigation of these road accidents. This paper reviews one of the models used for this investigation, the sequential events model for road crashes called MOSES. This model simplifies into a single sequential analysis the actions and conditions that have generated the occurrence and correlation of events that have led to a collision between two bodies, at least one of which is a vehicle, with harmful consequences for the environment, people and things. Methods: Analyzing the road accidents that occurred in the city of Badajoz between 2018 and 2022, this work proposes a new position of the sequential events in road accidents. This new position is present in more than fifty percent of the analyzed road accidents. How this new position can improve the description of traffic accidents is tested by analyzing an actual traffic accident recorded in the city of Badajoz between a motorcycle and a car. Results: The new position has been called Trust Position (TP) and is located between the Real Perception Position (RPP) and the Decision Enforcement Position (DEP) in the sequential events model for road crashes (i-MOSES). Furthermore, in this improvement of the MOSES model (i-MOSES), the reaction time (RT) is analyzed in more depth with the PIEV (Perception, Intellection, Emotion and Volition) theory, establishing that between RPP and TP are present the phases of perception and intellection, and between TP and DEP are present the phases of emotion and volition. Conclusions: This analysis shows how the proposed i-MOSES model allows for a deeper and more effective analysis of the causes that generated the traffic accident and all its circumstances. Moreover, it provides conclusions closer to the reality of how the accident actually happened and why it could have happened, ultimately leading to preventive measures to avoid future accidents.

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of primary and post-essential thrombocythemia or post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis (MF) in close cooperation with the underlying molecular drivers. This inflammatory state is induced by a dynamic spectrum of inflammatory cytokines, although recent evidence points to the participation of additional soluble inflammatory mediators. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) represent endogenous signals released upon cell death or damage which trigger a potent innate immune response. We assessed the contribution of two prototypical DAMPs, HMGB1 and S100A8/A9, to MF inflammation. Circulating HMGB1 and S100A8/A9 were elevated in MF patients in parallel to the degree of systemic inflammation and levels increased progressively during advanced disease stages. Patients with elevated DAMPs had higher frequency of adverse clinical features, such as anemia, and inferior survival, suggesting their contribution to disease progression. Monocytes, which are key players in MF inflammation, were identified as a source of S100A8/A9 but not HMGB1 release, while both DAMPs correlated with cell death parameters, such as serum LDH and cell-free DNA, indicating that passive release is an additional mechanism leading to increased DAMPs. HMGB1 and S100A8/A9 promote inflammation through binding to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, whereas the former also binds TLR2. Monocytes from MF patients were shown to be hyperactivated at baseline, as reflected by higher CD11b and tissue factor exposure and increased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Patient monocytes showed preserved TLR4 and TLR2 expression and were able to mount normal or even exacerbated functional responses and cytokine upregulation following stimulation of TLR4 and TLR2. Elevated levels of endogenous TLR ligands HMGB1 and S100A8/A9 coupled to the finding of preserved or hyperreactive TLR-triggered responses indicate that DAMPs may promote monocyte activation and cytokine production in MF, fueling inflammation. Plasma IL-1β and IL-6 were elevated in MF and correlated with DAMPs levels, raising the possibility that DAMPs could contribute to cytokine generation in vivo. In conclusion, this study highlights that, in cooperation with classic proinflammatory cytokines, DAMPs represent additional inflammatory mediators that may participate in the generation of MF inflammatory state, potentially providing novel biomarkers of disease progression and new therapeutic targets.

IntroductionDespite the advances in perinatal care, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continues to be a highly prevalent chronic lung disease that affects newborns, especially affecting premature newborns. There is no specific cure for BPD, and treatments aimed at reducing the risk of developing BPD focus mainly on lung-protective ventilation strategies, surfactant therapy, and/or corticosteroid administration. Our objective was to evaluate whether systemic postnatal administration of a new glucocorticoid, ciclesonide, can attenuate the alteration of lung structure and pulmonary hypertension in a rat model of chorioamnionitis-induced BPD, with minimal adverse effects on the developing brain.MethodsEndotoxin (ETX) or saline was administered to pregnant rats by intra-amniotic (i.a.) injection on day 20 of pregnancy, and pups were delivered by cesarean section on day 22. Ciclesonide (0.5 mg/kg) was administered postnatally for five consecutive days to pups previously exposed to i.a. ETX. On postnatal day 14, we assessed lung function (compliance), lung structure (radial alveolar count, mean linear intercept, pulmonary vessel density), pulmonary hypertension, and brain histology (edema, inflammation, apoptosis, hemorrhage, and infarction).ResultOn postnatal day 14, the effects of i.a. ETX administration were evident in neonatal rats not receiving treatment; these animals showed impaired lung compliance, disrupted lung structure, and developing pulmonary hypertension compared to those receiving i.a. saline. Postnatal administration of ciclesonide for 5 days was associated with significantly better outcomes in terms of lung compliance, alveolarization, lung vascular growth, and pulmonary hypertension, without affecting the brain histological parameters evaluated.ConclusionPostnatal ciclesonide administration preserved lung function and structure and prevented pulmonary hypertension in a BPD model induced by antenatal i.a. ETX administration, without causing any adverse effects on brain development. These findings suggest that the new glucocorticoid, ciclesonide, may provide a novel strategy for the prevention of BPD; however, more long-term studies are required.

Background: Urban neighbourhood environments may impact older adults’ cognitive health. However, longitudinal studies examining key environmental correlates of cognitive health are lacking. We estimated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of neighbourhood built and natural environments and ambient air pollution with multiple cognitive health outcomes in Australian urban dwellers aged 60+ years. Methods: The study included 1160 participants of the PATH Through Life study (60+ cohort) who were followed up for 12 years (four assessments; 2001/02 to 2013/15) and with data on socio-demographics, health, cognitive functions and diagnoses, and full residential address. Neighbourhood environmental features encompassed population and street-intersection densities, non-commercial land use mix, transit points, presence of blue space, percentages of commercial land, parkland and tree cover, and annual average PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations. All exposures except for tree cover were assessed at two time points. Generalised additive mixed models estimated associations of person-level average, and within-person changes in, exposures with cognitive functions. Multi-state hidden Markov models estimated the associations of neighbourhood attributes with transitions to/from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Results: Dense, destination-rich neighbourhoods were associated with a lower likelihood of transition to MCI and reversal to no MCI. Positive cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of non-commercial land use mix, street intersection density and percentage of commercial land were observed especially with global cognition and processing speed. While access to parkland and blue spaces were associated with a lower risk of transition to MCI, the findings related to cognitive functions were mixed and supportive of an effect of parkland on verbal memory only. Higher levels of PM2.5 and NO2 were consistently associated with steeper declines and/or decreases in cognitive functions and worse cognitive states across time. Conclusion: To support cognitive health in ageing populations, neighbourhoods need to provide an optimal mix of environmental complexity, destinations and access to the natural environment and, at the same time, minimise ambient air pollution.

In recent years, deep learning has gained popularity for its ability to solve complex classification tasks. It provides increasingly better results thanks to the development of more accurate models, the availability of huge volumes of data and the improved computational capabilities of modern computers. However, these improvements in performance also bring efficiency problems, related to the storage of datasets and models, and to the waste of energy and time involved in both the training and inference processes. In this context, data reduction can help reduce energy consumption when training a deep learning model. In this paper, we present up to eight different methods to reduce the size of a tabular training dataset, and we develop a Python package to apply them. We also introduce a representativeness metric based on topology to measure the similarity between the reduced datasets and the full training dataset. Additionally, we develop a methodology to apply these data reduction methods to image datasets for object detection tasks. Finally, we experimentally compare how these data reduction methods affect the representativeness of the reduced dataset, the energy consumption and the predictive performance of the model.

Homorepeats, specifically polyglutamine (polyQ) and polyalanine (polyA), are often implicated in protein-protein interactions (PPIs). So far, a method to predict the participation of homorepeats in protein interactions is lacking. We propose a machine learning approach to identify PPI-involved polyQ and polyA regions within the human proteome based on known interacting regions. Using the dataset of human homorepeats, we identified 157 polyQ and 745 polyA regions potentially involved in PPIs. Machine learning models, trained on amino acid context and homorepeat length, demonstrated high precision (0.90–0.98) but variable recall (0.42–0.85). Random forest outperformed other models (AUC polyQ = 0.686, AUC polyA = 0.732) using the positions surrounding the homorepeat −10 to +10. Integrating paralog information marginally improved predictions but was excluded for model simplicity. Further optimization revealed that for polyQ, using amino acid surrounding positions from −6 to +6 increased AUC to 0.715. For polyA, no improvement was found. Incorporating coiled coil overlap information enhanced polyA predictions (AUC = 0.745) but not polyQ. Finally, we applied these models to predict PPI involvement across all polyQ and polyA regions, identifying potential interactions. Case studies illustrated the method's predictive capacity, highlighting known interacting regions with high scores and elucidating potential false negatives.

ABSTRACT Pulses get increasing awareness not only for their nutritional value but also for their multifunctionality in sustainable agri‐food systems. Although having a long tradition in Mediterranean regions, their share of arable land is very low. Knowledge about pulse cropping, considering nonmarket outputs in alternative cropping systems, is scarce. To this end, we conducted a systematic literature research. We synthesized the current quantified state of knowledge about associated biodiversity in pulse systems and ecosystem services, specifically food/feed provision and soil quality, in lentil and chickpea cropping systems using alternative management practices in the Mediterranean and analysed their impact compared to conventional practices employing a meta‐analysis. As alternative practices, we considered practices frequently proposed to be sustainable and more ecologically oriented than conventional cropping. Most studies examined soil quality, especially chemical quality, followed by grain yield. Very few studies surveyed biodiversity, most of which used arable flora as an indicator. Mean lentil and chickpea grain yields were 1484.4 ± 665 kg/ha under alternative practices, and flora richness was on average 10.9 ± 4 species during the pulse phase. We found significant positive impacts of organic farming on biodiversity, no tillage on soil quality and diversified rotations on yield. In multiservice trials, no tillage tended to be synergistic for both, yield and soil quality. In conclusion, organic and conservation agriculture elements seem promising techniques for ecosystem service‐enhancing pulse management. Anyhow, the current evidence base on ecosystem service performance in alternative pulse systems is empirically not yet robust to conclude sound data‐driven management recommendations—especially with a focus on biodiversity. However, we can draw justified hypotheses that can focus future research and can be tested in the field.

ABSTRACT In 2000, Cleide Costa published a paper presenting the state of knowledge of the Neotropical Coleopte ra, with a focus on the Brazilian fauna. Twenty-four years later, thanks to the development of the Coleoptera section of the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna (CTFB - Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil) through the collaboration of 100 coleopterists from all over the globe, we can build on Costa’s work and present an updated overview of the state of knowledge of the beetles from Brazil. There are currently 35,699 species in 4,958 genera and 116 families known to occur in the country, including representatives of all extant suborders and superfamilies. Our data show that the Brazilian beetle fauna is the richest on the planet, concentrating 9% of the world species diversity, with some estimates accounting to up to 15% of the global total. The most diverse family in numbers of genera is Cerambycidae (1,056 genera), while in number of species it is Chrysomelidae (6,079 species). Conotrachelus Dejean, 1835 (Curculionidae) is the most species-rich genus, with 570 species. The French entomologist Maurice Pic is the author who has contributed the most to the naming of species recorded from Brazil, with 1,794 valid names in 36 families, whereas the Brazilians Ubirajara R. Martins and Maria Helena M. Galileo are the only ones among the top-ten authors to have named species in the 21st century. Currently, approximately 144 new species of Brazilian beetles are described each year, and this average is projected to increase in the next decade to 180 species per year, or about one new Brazilian beetle every two days.

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is a useful technique for detecting infectious microorganisms in human fluids since it performs similarly to conventional PCR, the results are obtained faster and no thermocyclers or complex devices are required. Since only two isothermal blocks (95 °C to lyse cells and 65 °C for DNA amplification) are needed, LAMP is particularly suited for applications in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). To validate such assumption, we first designed and tested Arduino-controlled LAMP thermoblocks to process a considerable number of samples simultaneously with a low-energy consumption to enable routine use under worst-case conditions (no main power source and low ambient temperatures). The thermoblocks were tested when battery-powered at temperature down to 5 °C, showing high stability in well temperatures (

IntroductionHuman respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a main cause of bronchiolitis in infants and its persistence has been described in immunocompromised subjects. However, limited evidence has been reported on the gene expression triggered by the hRSV and the effect of recombinant Taenia solium-derived calreticulin (rTsCRT).MethodsUsing a comprehensive microarray approach, we analyzed the transcriptome profile of a macrophage cell line that has supported hRSV persistence for over 150 passages. We compared the gene expression of persistently infected and non-infected macrophages. We also evaluated the effect of rTsCRT on hRSV-infected macrophage gene transcription, as well as on cytokine production and number of copies of the persistent hRSV genome.ResultsOur analysis showed that hRSV long-term virus infection significantly alters mRNA expression of antiviral, inflammatory, as well as arginine and lipid metabolism-associated genes, revealing a transcriptional signature that suggests a mixed M1/M2 phenotype. The resulting host-virus equilibrium allows for the regulation of viral replication, while evading the antiviral and proinflammatory responses. Interestingly, rTsCRT stimulus upregulated Tnfα, Il6 and Nos2 mRNA. We found increased levels of both proinflammatory cytokines and nitrite levels in the conditioned media of persistent macrophages treated with rTsCRT. This increase was associated with a significant reduction in viral genome copies.DiscussionhRSV persistently infected macrophages retain responsiveness to external stimuli and demonstrate that the profound changes induced by viral persistence are potentially reversible. Our observations contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms related to hRSV persistence in macrophages and have implications for the development of targeted therapies to eliminate persistent infections or reduce the negative effects related with chronic inflammatory diseases associated with hRSV infection.

TiC features an interesting combination of mechanical properties, high-temperature resistance, and lightness, making it an excellent candidate for several applications in harsh environments. However, its sintering to obtain bulk components is extremely challenging. Herein, we show that titanium aluminide is a promising sintering aid for TiC (5, 10, and 20 vol% were investigated). The aluminide allows the formation of a nearly fully dense component at 1350 °C by spark plasma sintering under 80 MPa. The aluminide forms a grain boundary secondary phase that promotes the Ti diffusion: Ti from TiC can be dissolved within the TiAly at the neck center and precipitate at the neck surface, while C can easily diffuse through the TiC lattice. Higher temperatures cause the extrusion of the aluminide out of the SPS die and its reaction with oxygen impurities. The final microstructure is constituted by nearly pure TiC with isolated alumina pockets at the triple points.

Visualization is essential for interpreting data, especially in scientific research where datasets often come from experiments or simulations. Data visualization techniques vary based on the data type. For example, mapping can illustrate city traffic incidents, while bar plots can identify the most common incidents. This paper presents VisUAM (Visualizador UAM), a web-based tool for creating graphics from various datasets across any domain. The current version of VisUAM supports data from three scientific software tools: Pore Networks, Voronoi Diagrams, and Particle Diffusive Simulator. VisUAM’s architecture allows easy integration of any data type and supports multi-dimensional visualizations, including 2D, 3D, and animations. Its flexibility, web-based accessibility, and adaptability to new visualization needs make VisUAM a versatile and comprehensive platform for researchers.

Climate change affects several environments, and one of the main problems is the availability and pollution of water resources. As a sustainable strategy, nature-based solutions and rescue of ancestral knowledge are economical and environmentally friendly measures. This study aimed to analyse the design of an alluvial dike by integrating ancestral and engineering knowledge to obtain a surface water reservoir that improves the recharge of the coastal aquifer in the Manglaralto community. This study considers a geological-geotechnical analysis of the study area and presents an environmental analysis of civil work to determine its impact on the surrounding ecosystem systems. The alluvial material dike, green structure, 8 m high, allows the reservoir of approximately 0.06 hm3 of water, which allows the recharge of the coastal aquifer with a field capacity (volumetric content) of 0.1 and conserves its ecosystem. From an environmental perspective, reforestation of the riverbank would reduce annual evapotranspiration, and from an economic perspective, the budget would be reduced considerably (60 % owing to ancestral knowledge and community work). The proposed construction of this second dike relates to the context of Sowing and Harvesting Water (SHW) and nature-based solutions, with community participation leading the processes, with technical accompaniment, to contribute to SDG 2030. This study provides the criterion that the integrality of the green structure offers more significant benefits for the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

A prototype of an autonomous system for the retrieval of oceanographic, wave, and meteorologic data was installed and tested in May 2021 on a Portuguese research vessel navigating on the Atlantic Ocean. The system was designed to be installed in fishing vessels that could operate as a distributed network of ocean data collection. It consists of an automatic weather station, a ferrybox with a water pumping system, an inertial measurement unit, a GNSS unit, an onboard desktop computer, and a wave estimator algorithm for wave spectra estimation. Among several parameters collected by this system’s sensors are the air temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction, sea water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, chlorophyll-a, roll, pitch, heave, true heading, and geolocation of the ship. This paper’s objectives are the following: (1) describe the autonomous prototype; and (2) present the data obtained during a full-scale trial; (3) discuss the results, advantages, and limitations of the system and future developments. Meteorologic measurements were validated by a second weather station onboard. The estimated wave parameters and wave spectra showed good agreement with forecasted data from the Copernicus database. The results are promising, and the system can be a cost-effective solution for voluntary observing ships.

Background: Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treatment has changed drastically during the last years with the emergence of androgen receptor–targeted agents (ARTAs). ARTA combined with androgen deprivation therapy has demonstrated better oncological and survival outcomes in these patients. However, the optimal choice among different ARTAs remains uncertain due to their analogous efficacy. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response and oncological outcomes of patients with mHSPC treated with apalutamide. Material and methods: Medical records from three different hospitals in Spain were used to conduct this study. Patients diagnosed with mHSPC and under apalutamide treatment were included between March 2021 and January 2023. Data regarding PSA response, overall survival (OS), and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) were collected and stratified by metastasis volume, timing, and stating. Results: 193 patients were included; 34.2% of patients were de novo mHSPC, and the majority was classified as m1b. The 18-month OS and rPFS were 92.5% and 88.9%, respectively. Patients with PSA levels ≤0.2 ng/ml showcased an 18-month OS rate of 98.7%, contrasting with 65.3% for those with PSA >0.2 ng/ml. Similar trends emerged for rPFS (97.4% and 53.7%, respectively). When differentiating between low-volume and high-volume metastasis, the OS rate stood at 98.4% and 80.7%, respectively, while the rPFS rates were 93% and 81.6%, respectively. No significant differences were found between groups stratified by metastasis timing. Conclusion: This real-world study on patients with mHSPC treated with apalutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy revealed robust oncological outcomes, aligning with the emerging evidence. The study's hallmark finding highlights the significance of rapid and deep PSA response as a predictor of improved oncological and survival outcomes.

Abstract Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 356 Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) isolates that were classified as classical (cl), presumptive hypervirulent (p-hv) and hypermucoviscous-like (hmv-like). Overall, K. pneumoniae (82.3%), K. variicola (2.5%) and K. quasipneumoniae (2.5%) were identified. These isolates comprised 321 cl-KpSC, 7 p-hv-KpSC and 18 hmv-like-KpSC. A large proportion of cl-KpSC isolates were extended-spectrum-β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producers (64.4%) and 3.4% of isolates were colistin-resistant carrying carbapenemase and ESBL genes. All p-hv-KpSC showed an antibiotic susceptible phenotype and hmv-like isolates were found to be ESBL-producers (8/18). Assays for capsule production and capsule-dependent virulence phenotypes and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed in a subset of isolates. Capsule amount differed in all p-hv strains and hmv-like produced higher capsule amounts than cl strains; these variations had important implications in phagocytosis and virulence. Murine sepsis model showed that most cl strains were nonlethal and the hmv-like caused 100% mortality with 3 × 108 CFUs. Unexpectedly, 3/7 (42.9%) of p-hv strains required 108 CFUs to cause 100% mortality (atypical hypervirulent), and 4/7 (57.1%) strains were considered truly hypervirulent (hv). Genomic analyses confirmed the diverse population, including isolates belonging to hv clonal groups (CG) CG23, CG86, CG380 and CG25 (this corresponded to the ST3999 a novel hv clone) and MDR clones such as CG258 and CG147 (ST392) among others. We noted that the hmv-like and hv-ST3999 isolates showed a close phylogenetic relationship with cl-MDR K. pneumoniae. The information collected here is important to understand the evolution of clinically important phenotypes such as hypervirulent and ESBL-producing-hypermucoviscous-like amongst the KpSC in Mexican healthcare settings. Likewise, this study shows that mgrB inactivation is the main mechanism of colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates from Mexico.