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Abstract Background The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-I index (HDL-C/ApoA-I) may be practical and useful in clinical practice as a marker of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between the HDL-C/ApoA-I index with cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods In this cross-sectional sub-analysis of the GEA study, 1,363 individuals, women (51.3%) and men (48.7%) between 20 and 75 years old, without coronary heart disease or diabetes mellitus were included. We defined an adverse cardiometabolic profile as excess adipose tissue metrics, non-alcoholic liver fat measured by non-contrasted tomography, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemias, and insulin resistance. The population was stratified by quartiles of the HDL-C/Apo-AI index, and its dose-relationship associations were analysed using Tobit regression, binomial, and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results Body mass index, visceral and pericardial fat, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, high blood pressure, and CAC were inversely associated with the HDL-C/ApoA-I index. The CAC > 0 prevalence was higher in quartile 1 (29.2%) than in the last quartile (22%) of HDL-C/ApoA-I index (p = 0.035). The probability of having CAC > 0 was higher when the HDL-C/ApoA-I index was less than 0.28 (p

El impacto de los cambios en el estado del esfuerzo de confinamiento y de la presión de poro sobre la permeabilidad de una roca es muy importante en la explotación de yacimientos de petróleo, particu- larmente los cambios por la disminución de la presión del yacimiento durante la extracción de hidro- carburos. A lo largo de los años, se han realizado numerosos estudios experimentales con muestras de núcleos que han mostrado una amplia gama de respuestas. En el presente estudio, se analizó dicho efecto en una muestra de roca caliza Bedford. Se investigan dos modos diferentes de confinamiento, hidrostático y no hidrostático. Los datos de permeabilidad obtenidos de los experimentos se ajustan a modelos comúnmente utilizados basados en el esfuerzo de confinamiento, la presión de poro y el esfuerzo efectivo. Los resultados indican que los modelos lineales ofrecen un ajuste satisfactorio en ambos modos de confinamiento. Se observa un coeficiente efectivo de presión relativamente grande de 5.78 en el modo hidrostático, mientras que se encuentra un inusual valor negativo de -1.63 en el modo no hidrostático. Estos resultados se examinaron en el contexto de los datos de permeabilidad y modelos de ajuste publicados. Para facilitar este análisis, se elaboraron tablas completas que integran la información disponible de la literatura sobre experimentos de permeabilidad en areniscas y calizas.

The significant growth in demand for electricity has led to increasing congestion on distribution networks. The challenge is twofold: it is needed to expand and modernize our grid to meet this increased demand but also to implement smart grid technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity distribution. In order to mitigate these congestions, novel approaches by using flexibility sources such as battery energy storage can be used. This involves the use of battery storage systems to absorb excess energy at times of low demand and release it at peak times, effectively balancing the load and reducing the stress on the grid. In this paper, two optimal power flow formulations are discussed: the branch flow model (non-convex) and the relaxed bus injection model (convex). These formulations determine the optimal operation of the flexibility sources, i.e., battery energy storage, with the objective of minimizing power losses while avoiding congestions. Furthermore, a comparison of the performance of these two formulations is performed, analyzing the objective function results and the flexibility operation. For this purpose, a real Spanish distribution network with its corresponding load data for seven days has been used.

Introducción. El consenso internacional y la guía del 2019 de la American Society of Hematology, establecieron a los análogos de la trombopoyetina como medicamentos de segunda línea para tratar la trombocitopenia inmunitaria primaria. En Ecuador, se comercializan dos trombomiméticos: romiplostim y eltrombopag. Objetivos. Describir el uso de romiplostim en pacientes con trombocitopenia inmunitaria, en un hospital de tercer nivel en Cuenca (Ecuador). Materiales y métodos. Se adelantó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes con trombocitopenia inmunitaria y tratamiento con romiplostim. Se evaluaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, tratamientos previos a romiplostim, dosis, frecuencia, complicaciones, cambio de análogo de trombopoyetina y discontinuación de la terapia. Resultados. Veintiún pacientes con trombocitopenia inmunitaria fueron tratados con romiplostim, con una mediana de 49 años. Todos recibieron corticoides como tratamiento de primera línea. Tres precisaron de intervalos más prolongados que el semanal, con dosis semanales menores de las recomendadas (< 1 μg/kg). Por falta de eficacia, en seis pacientes se reemplazó la terapia con eltrombopag por romiplostim. Tres pacientes padecieron complicaciones trombóticas: dos, trombosis venosa portal, y uno, tromboembolia pulmonar. En cinco, se discontinuó el tratamiento con romiplostim, sin necesidad de reanudarlo. Conclusiones. Romiplostim constituye un tratamiento de segunda línea para la trombocitopenia inmunitaria primaria. A pesar del reducido tamaño de la muestra, se observó que la administración temprana del medicamento puede minimizar toxicidades y riesgos infecciosos.

Abstract There is a worrying scarcity of drug options for patients with severe COVID-19. Glycine possesses anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, endothelium-protective, and platelet-antiaggregant properties, so its use in these patients seems promising. In this open label, controlled clinical trial, inpatients with severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation randomly received usual care (control group) or usual care plus 0.5 g/kg/day glycine by the enteral route (experimental group). Major outcomes included mortality, time to weaning from mechanical ventilation, total time on mechanical ventilation, and time from study recruitment to death. Secondary outcomes included laboratory tests and serum cytokines. Patients from experimental (n = 33) and control groups (n = 23) did not differ in basal characteristics. There were no differences in mortality (glycine group, 63.6% vs control group, 52.2%, p = 0.60) nor in any other major outcome. Glycine intake was associated with lower fibrinogen levels, either evaluated per week of follow-up (p

The aim of this research was to assess the hazardousness and ecotoxicity of paiche leather (Arapaima gigas) dyed with natural colourants (turmeric and purple corn) versus synthetic colourants (anilines). To determine hazardousness, the methodology included the assessment of flammability, corrosivity, reactivity to H2S and HCN, toxicity from metals, and organic compounds of dyed leather. Additionally, its ecotoxicity was determined using the California red worm (Eisenia fetida) as a bioindicator through a bioassay, with treatments at 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.20 g of leather/g of substrate, including undyed leather and a negative control in the investigation. The hazardousness analysis results indicated that leather samples dyed with both natural and synthetic colourants are not hazardous. However, the concentrations of chromium, nickel, cadmium, and lead exceed the permitted values for their use in footwear according to the European Union. Regarding ecotoxicity, the results demonstrate that acute toxicity to E. fetida is lower for natural colourants compared to synthetic colourants, where 100% mortality occurs at concentrations between 0.04 and 0.08 g of leather/g of the substrate. Concerning chronic toxicity, after 12 weeks of exposure, the tolerance concentration for undyed paiche leather is 0.035 g of leather/g of the substrate, and for leather dyed with purple corn and turmeric, it is 0.2 g of leather/g of the substrate. It is shown that the active compounds of natural colourants have a positive effect on worm survival, and it is concluded that paiche leather dyed with these colourants presents environmental advantages over leather dyed with synthetic colourants.

Context: For regulatory reasons, a biowaiver is characterized as the substitution or exemption of bioavailability and/or bioequivalence research with in vitro dissolution tests, according to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS). These studies need validated quantification methods to give reliable results. Aims: To develop and validate the UV spectrophotometric method for biowaiver studies in pyrazinamide tablets. Methods: The parameters for validation, such as specificity, linearity, range, accuracy, precision, stability of the analytical solution, filter test, limits of detection, and quantification, were assessed according to the standards set by the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization and the United States Pharmacopeia. The dissolution operating conditions were 900 mL of dissolution media at pH 1.2, 4.5, and 6.8, with the paddle method at 75 rpm and sampling times of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes. Results: The wavelength of maximum absorbance was 268 nm for the three dissolution media. The method was linear in the range of 1.11112–13.3334 µg/mL (r2>0.998). The limits of detection ranged from 0.0157 to 0.0222 µg/mL, and the limits of quantification were between 0.0415 and 0.0546 µg/mL. The recovered values were between 99.4 and 103.0%. No interference from the placebo was observed. The relative standard deviation values were less than 2% for precision. For robustness, different conditions were evaluated as wavelengths, changes in concentration, and Whatman No. 40, 41, and 42 filters; they did not modify the method response. The samples were kept unchanged for a period of 24 hours at 25°C. Conclusions: The UV spectrophotometric method was linear, accurate, specific, and precise in the concentration range studied and in the dissolution media at pH levels of 1.2, 4.5, and 6.8, being suitable for biowaiver studies in pyrazinamide tablets.

IntroductionSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple systems and classified under connective tissue disorders. Ocular involvement occurs in up to 30% of SLE cases, with the cornea being particularly susceptible to thinning due to immune-complex deposits and its predominantly type I collagen composition. This corneal thinning is clinically significant in glaucoma, where patients with reduced central corneal thickness (CCT) may have up to a threefold increased risk of developing glaucoma, as well as in refractive surgery. However, existing studies on CCT in SLE are limited and marked by substantial heterogeneity in methodology, technology, criteria, and participant numbers, resulting in conflicting findings. Based in our hypothesis that SLE-related corneal lysis may result in decreased CCT, this study aims to determine and compare the mean CCT values between SLE patients and healthy controls to obtain a more precise understanding of the potential relationship.Methods and analysisA cross-sectional observational study will be conducted, enrolling SLE patients and age-and sex-matched healthy controls recruited from ophthalmology consultations. Exclusion criteria will be applied to rule out other corneal thinning risk factors. A pilot study estimated a minimum sample size of 34 participants per group. CCT measurements will be obtained using Zeiss HD Cirrus 5,000 optical coherence tomography (OCT) on a randomly selected eye, following concordance analysis using the Kappa index. Statistical analysis will include descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate methods. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee.DiscussionThe cornea’s vulnerability to thinning and lysis in SLE, which impacts CCT, is crucial for the accurate assessment of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and the second leading cause in Europe. Given that patients with reduced CCT are at a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma, further research is necessary to understand the association between SLE and CCT. Our study aims to enhance methodological rigor compared to prior research by determining an appropriate sample size and exclusively enrolling SLE patients to increase participant homogeneity. If a significant difference in CCT between groups and an association between CCT and SLE are found, a prospective study will be considered.

This systematic review examined, through the UTAUT2 model, the factors influencing the acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in university contexts. A total of 50 scientific texts published between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed and selected after a rigorous search of specialized databases. These findings confirm the versatility of UTAUT2 in elucidating technological adoption processes in higher education. Performance expectancy and hedonic motivation emerged as significant predictors of intentions and effective use among students, faculty, and administrative staff. Among students, perceived ease of use and social influence were also relevant. The analysis revealed differences in adoption patterns between STEM and non-STEM disciplines and between public and private institutions. Despite widespread positive perceptions of AI's potential, barriers such as distrust and lack of knowledge persist. The research also identified moderating and mediating factors, such as prior technology experience and technological self-efficacy. These results have important implications for the implementation of AI in higher education, suggesting the need for differentiated approaches according to the characteristics of each group and institutional context. It is recommended to develop strategies that address the identified barriers and leverage facilitators, with an emphasis on training, ethical design, and contextual adaptation of AI applications. Future research should explore the longitudinal evolution of these factors and examine AI adoption in non-STEM disciplines in greater depth.

El principal motivo de este artículo fue la práctica de reconocimiento de objetos, utilizando la tecnología de Ultralytics, YOLOv8, aplicando el aprendizaje supervisado y otros métodos de machine learning. Se tomó en cuenta las definiciones de la detección de objetos y entrenamiento de modelos para clasificar los residuos sólidos para que estos sean después reciclados, para luego identificar manualmente cada clase de objeto con el etiquetador LabelImg, tomando en cuenta las posiciones de cada objeto en las imágenes. Se analizaron 1517 imágenes dándonos unos resultados excelentes y considerables.

Abstract Consumers can play critical roles in ecosystem resilience by modifying community resistance and recovery rates. In coral reefs, grazers can increase reef resilience by controlling algae and maintaining open space for coral recruitment, but can also erode the reef framework critical for coral recovery. Here we examine the context‐dependent effects of herbivores on reef persistence in Caribbean Panamá. Using a series of lab and field experiments, we found that the erosional effects of the herbivorous reef urchin (Echinometra viridis) were 2 orders of magnitude greater on dead corals than live corals, and surveys across multiple similarly overfished reefs revealed a positive relationship between urchin densities and percent cover of bare dead coral with urchin densities exceeding 150 m−2 in some reefs. However, we observed that a mat‐forming zoanthid (Zoanthus pulchellus), found exclusively on dead corals, had an inverse spatial relationship with urchins. Through a series of field experiments, we found that zoanthid overgrowth repelled urchins, increased dead coral persistence, and decreased erosion of dead corals making up the reef framework by more than 50% over a 22‐month period. Our findings reveal that zoanthids can provide associational refuge to dead corals by enhancing their persistence under high urchin grazing pressure. We suggest that secondary space‐holders, such as zoanthids, may play increasingly important functional roles in degraded reef systems by shielding coral skeletons from external bioeroders. Moreover, the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, which predicts that the importance of positive interactions such as associational refuges increases with consumer pressure, extends to dead foundation species such as coral skeletons crucial for ecosystem recovery.

Thirty years since the first report on the PilY1 protein in bacteria, only the C-terminal domain has been crystallized; there is no study in which the N-terminal domain, let alone the complete protein, has been crystallized. In our laboratory, we are interested in characterizing the Type IV Pili (T4P) of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. We performed an in silico characterization of PilY1 and other pilins of the T4P of this acidophilic bacterium. In silico characterization is crucial for understanding how proteins adapt and function under extreme conditions. By analyzing the primary and secondary structures of proteins through computational methods, researchers can gain valuable insights into protein stability, key structural features, and unique amino acid compositions that contribute to resilience in harsh environments. Here, it is presented a description of the particularities of At. thiooxidans PilY1 through predictor software and homology data. Our results suggest that PilY1 from At. thiooxidans may have the same role as has been described for other PilY1 associated with T4P in neutrophilic bacteria; also, its C-terminal interacts (interface interaction) with the minor pilins PilX, PilW and PilV. The N-terminal region comprises domains such as the vWA and the MIDAS, involved in signaling, ligand-binding, and protein-protein interaction. In fact, the vWA domain has intrinsically disordered regions that enable it to maintain its structure over a wide pH range, not only at extreme acidity to which At. thiooxidans is adapted. The results obtained helped us design the correct methodology for its heterologous expression. This allowed us partially experimentally characterize it by obtaining the N-terminal domain recombinantly and evaluating its acid stability through fluorescence spectroscopy. The data suggest that it remains stable across pH changes. This work thus provides guidance for the characterization of extracellular proteins from extremophilic organisms.

Background: The Emotional Intelligence theory has evolved from the respective definitions of intelligence and emotion. Emotional Intelligence is a fundamental competence for Nursing professionals because it allows developing effective therapeutic relationships, facilitates interaction with other professionals, acts as a significant predictor of conflict management, and is related to a reduction in stress due to overload and work schedules or avoidance behaviours that can affect Nursing care quality but their training is not sufficiently integrated into the training curricula of health professions son the study’s aim is to evaluate the change in Nursing students' perception regarding Emotional Intelligence after carrying out clinical practices in different care services.Materials and methods: A longitudinal and observational study was carried out at differents Spain's universities. 149 students were included in the study, recruited through a accidental sampling in four Spanish universities. The study investigates the emotional change produced by clinical practices through the TMMS-24 questionnaire. Other sociodemographic and academic variables were collected and the Nursing students' stressors in clinical practices by KEZKAK questionnaire and the Nursing students' perceptions of the instructor's care by S-NSPIC, because they have demonstrated their influence in the process.Results: The sample consisted of 88.5% were women (n=131) and 11.5% men (n=17) with a mean age of 23.36 ±4.69 years old. The perception of Emotional Intelligence obtained adequate ranges and it increases after clinical practices (p

Castillo Grande, ubicado en Huánuco - Perú, presenta el problema de contaminación producido por el incremento de los residuos sólidos, en especial de los orgánicos, que no son aprovechados, por lo que se propone la forma de degradación de dichos residuos, planteando el objetivo, de evaluar la acción de microorganismos efectivos provenientes de distintas fuentes en la degradación de los residuos sólidos orgánicos, y su influencia en la producción de compost con mejores parámetros químicos. La metodología empleada fue un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con tres tratamientos (Compost1, Compost2 y Compost3) y tres repeticiones por tratamiento, donde los análisis de las variables, tales como periodo de degradación de residuos sólidos orgánicos y parámetros químicos del compost, estuvieron en función de los valores promedios y de dispersión. Los resultados no reportan diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los tratamientos en el periodo de degradación; pero sí en ciertos parámetros químicos. El Compost1 es el que reportó menor periodo de degradación y mayores contenidos de materia orgánica en estado seco, humedad, nitrógeno, fósforo, potasio, magnesio, sodio, zinc y manganeso, cumpliendo en gran parte los niveles establecidos por la Norma Técnica Peruana 201.208:2021; mientras que los mayores contenidos de Ca y Fe se registró con el Compost3. Concluyendo que los microorganismos efectivos provenientes de la hojarasca, son los adecuados para descomponer residuos sólidos orgánicos y producir compost en menor tiempo y con buenos parámetros químicos.

Pampas, ubicado en Huancavelica - Perú, presenta un precario manejo de los desechos de pescado, donde cotidianamente son vertidos al suelo y ríos, exponiéndolos al aire libre; proponiendo la forma de manejo de dichos residuos, la presente investigación planteó el objetivo, de evaluar el biol con mayor volumen final, mejores rendimientos, mejores características químicas, mayor influencia en las características químicas del sustrato y, en crecimiento del cultivo de lechuga (Lactuca sativa) en la comunidad Andina de Pampas. La metodología empleada fue un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con tres tratamientos (Biol1, Biol2 y Biol3) y tres repeticiones por tratamiento, donde los análisis de las variables de producción de lechuga, tales como peso de cabeza, altura de plantas y número de hojas por plantas, estuvieron en función de los valores promedios y la dispersión. Los resultados reportan diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los tratamientos p

BackgroundAs the therapeutic landscape for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to expand, a need exists to understand how patients perceive and value different attributes associated with their disease as well as with current and emerging treatments. These insights can inform the development and regulation of effective interventions for IBD, benefiting various stakeholders including healthcare professionals, drug developers, regulators, Health Technology Assessment bodies, payers, and ultimately patients suffering from IBD. In response to this, the present patient preference study was developed with the aim to (1) determine the relative preference weights for IBD treatment and disease related attributes, and (2) explain how preferences may differ across patients with different characteristics (preference heterogeneity).MethodsThe patient preference study (PPS) was developed through an 8-step process, with each step being informed by an advisory board. This process included: (1) stated preference method selection, (2) attribute and level development (including a scoping literature review, focus group discussions, and advisory board meetings), (3) choice task construction, (4) sample size estimation, (5) survey implementation, (6) piloting, (7) translation, and (8) pre-testing. The resulting discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey comprises 14 attributes with between two and five varying levels. Participants will answer 15 DCE questions with a partial profile design, where each of the choice questions encompasses two hypothetical treatment profiles showing four attributes. Additionally, questions about patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as contextual factors are implemented. The survey is available in 15 different languages and aims to minimally recruit 700 patients globally.DiscussionThis protocol gives valuable insights toward preference researchers and decision-makers on how PPS design can be transparently reported, demonstrating solutions to remaining gaps in preference research. Results of the PPS will provide evidence regarding the disease and treatment related characteristics that are most important for IBD patients, and how these may differ across patients with different characteristics. These findings will yield valuable insights applicable to preference research, drug development, regulatory approval, and reimbursement processes, enabling decision making across the medicinal product life cycle that is aligned with the true needs of IBD patients.

Introduced species pose a potentially significant threat to local biodiversity. In this study, we report Chondrilla juncea L. (Asteraceae) as a new naturalized alien plant in Chile. We provide detailed description, photographs, coordinates sites and discussed potential impacts.

Spinal opioids have mixed efficacy and their adverse effects force treatment cessation of postoperative pain. Consequently, there is an ongoing search for new therapeutic strategies. Here, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal UCM707, an anandamide reuptake inhibitor, and morphine combination. Firstly, we assessed the effects of morphine (1, 5 and 10 μg), UCM707 (75 μg) and its combination in the hot plate. Then, morphine + UCM707 at sub-effective doses was evaluated in a rat post-incisional pain model. In addition, μ-, CB1r-, CB2r- and TRPV1-antagonists were pre-administered before the combination. Activation of μ-opioid and CB1r, and Cnr1, Cnr2, Oprm1 and TRPV1 expressions were evaluated in the lumbar sacra and periaqueductal grey by [35 S]-GTPγS binding autoradiography and qPCR studies. In the hot plate, morphine (1 μg) and UCM707 (75 μg) induced a more robust analgesic effect than each drug alone. Morphine plus UCM707 did not modify μ-opioid nor CB1 receptor function in the PAG or LS. Cnr1 and TRPV1 expression increased in the lumbar sacra (LS). Morphine plus UCM707 significantly reduced post-incisional pain at 1 and 4 days after surgery. Cnr1, Cnr2 and TRPV1 expressions increased in the LS. Blockade of μ-opioid receptor reduced combination effects on days 1 and 4. CB1r- and CB2r-antagonism reduced morphine + UCM707 effects on days 1 and 4, respectively. CB1r and TRPV1-antagonism improved their antinociceptive effects on day 4. These results revealed a synergistic/additive analgesic effect of UCM707 and morphine combination controlling postincisional pain. CB1r, CB2r and TRPV1 contribute differently as central sensitization occurs.