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A number of studies have suggested that human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) may play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS). Three possible hypotheses have been investigated: (1) U24 from HHV-6A (U24-6A) mimics myelin basic protein (MBP) through analogous phosphorylation and interaction with Fyn-SH3; (2) U24-6A affects endocytic recycling by binding human neural precursor cell (NPC) expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4-like WW3* domain (hNedd4L-WW3*); and (3) MS patients who express Killer Cell Immunoglobulin Like Receptor 2DL2 (KIR2DL2) on natural killer (NK) cells are more susceptible to HHV-6 infection. In this contribution, we examined the validity of these propositions by investigating the interactions of U24 from HHV-6B (U24-6B), a variant less commonly linked to MS, with Fyn-SH3 and hNedd4L-WW3* using heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titrations and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). In addition, the importance of phosphorylation and the specific role of U24 in NK cell activation in MS patients were examined. Overall, the findings allowed us to shed light into the models linking HHV-6 to MS and the involvement of U24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the working, personal and health conditions of health professionals has been highlighted, although it is necessary to verify whether certain instruments used in research on this topic have sufficient psychometric support for their use. This need was the main motivation for undertaking the present study. We aimed to analyse the psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) in a sample of active health care workers during the pandemic. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2020 with 2326 active health care workers (78.7% women). The instruments that were applied included the UWES-9 scale, the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13), the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and an item on self-perceived health. Results: The three-factor structure related to the correlation of pairs of errors presented the best fit. The reliability of the UWES-9 was highlighted by the adequate internal consistency of the items, the existence of invariance according to gender, and its convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusion: The findings of this work support the use of the UWES-9 to assess the work engagement of health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify it as an adequate measure of this psychological variable and the constructs that comprise it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the anti-caries and anti-inflammatory effects of mouthwash formulations containing Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract (PPE), sodium-trimetaphosphate, and low concentrations of fluoride. PPE was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (ellagic acid and punicalagin). Total phenolics were quantified among formulations, and their stability was analyzed for 28 days. The formulation effects were evaluated as follows: (1) inorganic component concentration and reduced demineralization on bovine enamel blocks subjected to pH cycling; (2) anti-biofilm effect on dual-biofilms of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 treated for 1 and 10 min, respectively; and (3) cytotoxicity and production of inflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). The formulation containing 3% PPE, 0.3% sodium-trimetaphosphate, and 225 ppm of fluoride resulted in a 34.5% surface hardness loss; a 13% (treated for 1 min) and 36% (treated for 10 min) biofilm reduction in S. mutans; a 26% (1 min) and 36% (10 min) biofilm reduction in C. albicans; absence of cytotoxicity; and anti-inflammatory activity confirmed by decreased interleukin-6 production in mouse macrophages. Thus, our results provide a promising prospect for the development of an alcohol-free commercial dental product with the health benefits of P. granatum that have been recognized for a millennium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay of treatment for brain tumors. To minimize the risk of side effects while maximizing the therapeutic effects, personalized treatment plans, consisting mainly of genomics, radiomics, and mathematical modeling, are increasingly being used. We hypothesize that personality characteristics could influence treatment outcomes and thus could be used to help personalize RT. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the psychological characteristics associated with post-treatment physical status and quality of life (QoL) in patients with brain tumors undergoing RT. Two psychological tests—the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory—were administered prior to RT. Physical parameters before and after RT were also assessed through the following tests: hand grip strength, Timed Up and Go test, 6 Min Walk Test, and Functional Independence Measure. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) was used to assess QoL. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F) was administered to assess fatigue. Neuroticism was significantly associated with low FACT-G Physical Well-Being scores. Psychoticism was associated with an improvement in physical fitness scores after RT. These findings suggest that personality traits should be considered when designing a personalized radiotherapy plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online learning can potentially meet increasingly diverse students' needs in higher education, including disabled students. However, institutions have historically struggled in providing accessible and inclusive online learning. Higher education online learning leaders, those who manage instructional designers, are in a unique position to help institutions strategize and create accessible and inclusive online courses. In this qualitative study, we interviewed nine higher education online learning leaders to understand leaders' perceptions about how institutions provide accessible and inclusive online learning. Results demonstrated that despite varying conceptualizations of accessibility and inclusivity, online learning leaders perceive an insufficient but growing emphasis in higher education. Overall, participants described instructional designers as the most knowledgeable and skilled in this area. Participants described a lack of agency for instructional design teams and a need to advocate for buy-in from senior leadership. They also described strategies (e.g., faculty development, quality standards, and accessibility checkers) to support faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Obesity is highly associated with overall risk for breast cancer and correlated with aggressive behavior. Although recent advances indicated that increased BMI may be an important factor for triple negative breast cancer development, the molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Obesity predisposes to breast cancer via metabolic modifications of tumor microenvironment. Altered adipocyte accumulation results in secretion of inflammatory factors, chemokines and adipokines which establish a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment that stimulates breast cancer induction, evolution and metastasis and impede anti-cancer drug response. The present article focuses on the association between adipokine expression and breast cancer, particularly triple negative subtype, and provides a summary and critical presentation of novel research findings. The main effort is to better determine strategies for tumor stratification and management. Obesity is a remarkably important factor for breast carcinogenesis and aggressiveness. The implication of increased BMI in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) development is also well established. A malignancy-promoting role of the adipose tissue has been supposed, where the adipocytes that constitute the majority of stromal cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Alterations in adipokines and their receptors play significant roles in breast cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug response. Classic adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, have been extensively studied in breast cancer and connected with breast cancer risk and progression. Notably, new molecules are constantly being discovered and the list is continuously growing. Additionally, substantial progress has been made concerning their differential expression in association with clinical and pathological parameters of tumors and the prognostic and predictive value of their dysregulation in breast cancer carcinogenesis. However, evidence regarding the mechanisms by which adipose tissue is involved in the development of TNBC is lacking. In the present article we comment on current data on the suggested involvement of these mediators in breast cancer development and progression, with particular emphasis on TNBC, to draw attention to the design of novel targeted therapies and biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal disease refers to inflammation of the tissues that support the tooth. It is of multifactorial etiology. Innate and adaptive immune cells participate jointly through the release of their molecules and mechanisms of action in order to maintain homeostasis in periodontal tissues, so the host's immune response plays an essential role in defense against microorganisms. However, bacterial persistence and the dysregulation of the immune system as an exaggerated response can lead to the worsening of periodontal disease, leading to loss of gingival tissue and alveolar bone and thereby loss of teeth. Therefore, a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in the development of periodontal disease is necessary to design new treatments and prophylactic measures in order to decrease the prevalence of this disease that afflicts a large part of the world population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the factors identified by inclusive faculty members that hinder or facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities and their recommendations for universities to achieve full inclusion. Forty-four inclusive faculty members participated, and a biographical-narrative methodology was used. The results showed the existence of different barriers (physical, inaccessible study program, negative attitudes, and inadequate educational policies). Facilitating elements were also identified (offices of attention to students with disabilities, positive attitude of the faculty, and training courses on disability). The participants recommended the hiring of more technical staff, the creation of support groups in all faculties, more training and information on disability for the entire university community, and the implementation of university policies about inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores and analyzes the context of the renewable energies industry sector of Baja California, Mexico, regarding the adoption, appropriation, knowledge and usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by focusing on human resources, mainly its business managers and directors, as key actors of strategic plans in terms of research and technological development. For this task, a Technological Competencies Profile (TCP), meant for evaluating the incorporation of ICTs by business leaders, was constructed by reviewing the definition of "technological competency" in 140 publications, and by considering the European e-Competence Framework (e-CF), the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA), and other related guidelines. This profile was later applied to analyze 13 SMEs and their leaders' technological competencies. The investigation was further enriched with the information extracted from 13 interviews made with renewable energy experts in Baja California. The conclusions of this study show that, although SME leaders do have knowledge of ICTs and use them effectively for their own communicative and personal purposes, they do not consider them as a part of their business operation that can optimize their processes and impact its innovative capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus worldwide that is an etiologic agent in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Recent reports have shown the association of EBV with tumorigenesis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Moreover, EBV has been reported to be present in tonsillar tissues, which suggests a close relationship between viral infections and tonsillar diseases, including chronic tonsillitis. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of EBV DNA in 86 patients with HNSCC, in 70 patients with chronic tonsillitis, and in 144 healthy individuals (control group) and the associations between EBV infection and clinicopathological and demographic characteristics and the use of stimulants in all study groups. The objective of this study was also to analyze the prevalence of coinfection with human papillomavirus (HPV). After prior DNA isolation, EBV detection was performed using an EBV kit by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of EBV infection in patients with HNSCC, patients with chronic tonsillitis, and the control group was 47.7%, 60%, and 24.3%, respectively. Compared to controls, a significantly higher prevalence of EBV in patients with chronic tonsillitis and HNSCC may suggest that EBV is a potential risk factor. No association was found between EBV infection and demographic or clinical data. Further studies are warranted due to inconclusive reports that were mainly related to geographic distribution, sample type, and detection technique. Considering the prevalence of the virus and the risk of serious diseases, attention should be paid to screening diagnosis and prevention of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the deployment of the 5G cellular system, the upsurge of diverse mobile applications and devices has increased the potential challenges and threats posed to users. Industry and academia have attempted to address cyber security challenges by implementing automated malware detection and machine learning algorithms. This study expands on previous research on machine learning-based mobile malware detection. We critically evaluate 154 selected articles and highlight their strengths and weaknesses as well as potential improvements. We explore the mobile malware detection techniques used in recent studies based on attack intentions, such as server, network, client software, client hardware, and user. In contrast to other SLR studies, our study classified the means of attack as supervised and unsupervised learning. Therefore, this article aims at providing researchers with in-depth knowledge in the field and identifying potential future research and a framework for a thorough evaluation. Furthermore, we review and summarize security challenges related to cybersecurity that can lead to more effective and practical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the f-oscillator formalism, we introduce a nonlinear Jaynes-Cummings model (NJCM) which is constructed from the standard JCM by deforming the single-mode field operators. Such a generalization of the JCM describes the interaction of a two-level atom with a single mode of the electromagnetic field in the presence of a nonlinear Kerr-like medium. Since the medium is modelled as an f-oscillator, it is possible to consider the field f-coherent states (nonlinear coherent states) and their evolution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using green chemistry to control chirality at hierarchical levels as well as chiroptical activities endows with new opportunities to the development of multiple functions. Here, the four‐component Ugi reaction is introduced for the general and precise optical chirality sensing of amines as well as the surface nanoengineering of chiral soft self‐assemblies. To overcome the relatively weak Cotton effects, direct synthesis of a folded peptide structure on a rotatable ferrocene core with axial chirality was accomplished from chiral amine, 1,1'‐ferrocenyl dicarboxylic acid, formaldehyde and isocyanide. Enhanced Cotton effects benefiting from the folded structure allow for the precise and quantitative sensing of natural and synthetic chiral amines covering alkyl, aromatic amines and amino acid derivatives. In addition, aqueous reaction enables the modification of amine‐bearing dye to microfibers self‐assembled from π‐conjugated amino acids. Surface dye‐modification via Ugi reaction barely changes the pristine morphology, showing non‐invasive properties in contrast to dye staining, which is applicable in soft nano/microarchitectures from self‐assembly. This work which combines the four‐component Ugi reaction to enable precise ee% detection and surface nanoengineering of soft chiral assemblies sheds light on the advanced application of green chemistry to chirality science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of maternal obesity and high‐fat diet (HFD) in offspring postnatal life has deleterious effects, and (−)‐epicatechin (Epi) treatment can reverse these adverse effects. To investigate whether Epi administration can modify fat mass, muscle mass, and bone mass in male rats descended from obese mothers, fed postnatally on an HFD. Male offspring of mothers fed with control diet formed the control group (C), control group with high‐fat diet (CHF), and control group with high‐fat diet + epicatechin (CHF + Epi). Male offspring of maternal obesity formed the group with control diet (MO), maternal obesity group with high‐fat diet (MOHF), and maternal obesity group with high‐fat diet + epicatechin (MOHF + Epi). We measured total fat and weight of visceral adipose tissue by dissection and by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scanning body composition. Epicatechin diminished total and visceral pads fat of male offspring of CHF + Epi and MOHF + Epi groups versus to male offspring of CHF and MOHF groups. Besides, epicatechin increased lean mass in CHF + Epi and MOHF + Epi groups, but these changes were not significant. Total body mineral density of the male offspring of CHF, MOHF, and MOHF + Epi groups was significantly higher versus male offspring of C and MO groups. Obesity programming model plus a high‐fat postnatal diet presents higher visceral adipose tissue, decreased lean mass, and modified body mineral density when compared with a direct obesity model and its controls. Epicatechin treatment improved body composition; however, it was not able to induce similar values as presented by the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context A relationship between obesity and poor oral health has been reported. Objective To investigate the association between overweight/obesity and oral health in Mexican children and adolescents. Data Sources A literature search was conducted of 13 databases and 1 search engine for articles published from 1995 onward. Data Analysis A total of 18 publications were included. Evidence was inconclusive and varied according to sociodemographic factors or outcome measuring tools. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth and Filled Teeth Surfaces indices and the decayed extracted filled teeth index outcomes were included in a random effects model meta-analysis. Pooled estimates showed no statistically significant oral health differences (measured via the decayed extracted filled teeth or the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Surfaces indexes) among body mass index (BMI) categories. However, pooled estimates of 6 studies showed that children with higher BMI had worse oral health in permanent teeth (measured via the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth Index) than children with lower BMI (overall mean difference, –0.42; 95%CI, –0.74, –0.11). Conclusion Whether there is an association between poor oral health and high BMI is inconclusive; however, both co-exist among Mexican children. Therefore, health promotion and prevention efforts should address common risk factors and broader risk social determinants shared between noncommunicable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the health effects of exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation have been the focus of many studies, the affected biological functions and underlying regulatory mechanisms are not well-understood. In particular, the influence of radiation exposure at doses of less than 200 mGy on the regulation of genes and pathways remains unclear. To investigate the molecular alterations induced by varying doses of low-dose radiation (LDR), transcriptomic analysis was conducted based on ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing following exposure to 50 and 150 mGy doses. Human peripheral blood was collected, and the samples were divided into three groups, including two treatments and one control (no radiation). A total of 876 (318 upregulated and 558 downregulated) and 486 (202 upregulated and 284 downregulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after exposure to 50 mGy and 150 mGy, respectively. Most upregulated genes in both the 50 mGy and 150 mGy groups were associated with 'antigen processing and presentation,' which appeared to be the major targets affected by LDR exposure. Several interacting genes, including HLA-DQA1 , HLA-DQA2 , HLA-DQB2 , HLA-DRB1 , and HLA-DRB5 were mapped to 'antigen processing and presentation,' 'immune system-related diseases' and the 'cytokine-mediated signaling pathway,' suggesting that these genes might drive the downstream transmission of these signal transduction pathways. Our results suggest that exposure to LDR may elicit changes in key genes and associated pathways, probably helping further explore the biological processes and molecular mechanism responsible for low-dose occupational or environmental exposures in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial fission induced by acute myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size. The clinically used anti-hypertensive and heart failure medication, hydralazine, is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Here, we investigated whether hydralazine confers acute cardioprotection by inhibiting Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Methods and results Pre-treatment with hydralazine was shown to inhibit both mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation induced by oxidative stress in HeLa cells. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), pre-treatment with hydralazine attenuated mitochondrial fission and cell death induced by oxidative stress, but this effect was absent in MEFs deficient in the mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated binding of hydralazine to the GTPase domain of the mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1 (KD 8.6±1.0 µM), and inhibition of Drp1 GTPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In isolated adult murine cardiomyocytes subjected to simulated IRI, hydralazine inhibited mitochondrial fission, preserved mitochondrial fusion events, and reduced cardiomyocyte death (hydralazine 24.7±2.5% vs. control 34.1±1.5%, P =0.0012). In ex vivo perfused murine hearts subjected to acute IRI, pre-treatment with hydralazine reduced myocardial infarct size (as % left ventricle: hydralazine 29.6±6.5% vs. vehicle control 54.1±4.9%, P =0.0083), and in the murine heart subjected to in vivo IRI, the administration of hydralazine at reperfusion, decreased myocardial infarct size (as % area-at-risk: hydralazine 28.9±3.0% vs. vehicle control 58.2±3.8%, P <0.001). Conclusion We show that, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, hydralazine, confers acute cardioprotection by inhibiting IRI-induced mitochondrial fission, raising the possibility of repurposing hydralazine as a novel cardioprotective therapy for improving post-infarction outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes experimental evidence on the beneficial effects of (−)-epicatechin (EC) attenuating major cardiometabolic risk factors, i.e., dyslipidemias, obesity (adipose tissue dysfunction), hyperglycemia (insulin resistance), and hypertension (endothelial dysfunction). Studies in humans are revised and complemented with experiments in animal models, and cultured cells, aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in EC-mediated effects. Firstly, an assessment of EC metabolism gives relevance to both conjugated-EC metabolites product of host metabolism and microbiota-derived species. Integration and analysis of results stress the maintenance of redox homeostasis and mitigation of inflammation as relevant processes associated with cardiometabolic diseases. In these processes, EC appears having significant effects regulating NADPH oxidase (NOX)–dependent oxidant production, nitric oxide (NO) production, and energy homeostasis (mitochondrial biogenesis and function). The potential participation of cell membranes and membrane-bound receptors is also discussed in terms of direct molecular action of EC and EC metabolites reaching cells and tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Entreciencias Diálogos en la Sociedad del Conocimiento is the property of Escuela Nacional De Estudios Superiores, Unidad, Leon of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cuadernos.info is the property of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Facultad de Comunicaciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives The main aim of this work was to analyse the potential tumour growth inhibition effects of (−)-epicatechin (EC). Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an invasive form of cancer characterized by the absence of progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used for its anti-tumour activity. EC belongs to the flavanol subfamily and is a candidate molecule for the adjuvant treatment of cancer due to its antiproliferative activities. Methods Evaluation of EC effects and pathways involved in a model of TNBC. Key findings EC inhibited tumour growth as efficiently as DOX (inhibition rates of 74% and 79% for EC and DOX, respectively). The evaluation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt phosphorylation and mTOR expression indicates that EC modulates these pathways, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation. Additionally, we found an increase in the survival of EC-treated animals compared with control-treated animals. This effect was similar to the effects induced by DOX (survival rates of 44% and 30% for EC and DOX, respectively). Conclusion EC has antiproliferative properties and increases survival in a model of TNBC. These effects may occur through the modulation of deregulated AMPK and Akt/mTOR signalling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on the inclusion of students with disabilities in the university setting highlights the great importance of the faculty's willingness to provide quality accommodations. However, current studies offer only an initial analysis of the factors explaining these accommodations. Current research requires the analysis of new actions that will improve the accommodations provided by the university faculty. The objective of this study is to research the effect that innovative programmes and interventions have on the provision of accommodations to university students with disabilities. Using structured questionnaire, sample of 182 university professors, and structural equation model, the results indicate that innovative programs and interventions have a significant influence on the provision of accommodations by improving both personal beliefs regarding students with disabilities and the professors' perception of institutional support. Suggestions are proposed for implementing strategies to implant intervention programs that will improve the faculty's willingness to provide accommodations and support to students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging technologies, such as the development of the Internet of Things and the transition to smart cities, and innovative handheld devices have led to big changes in many aspects of our lives, while more changes were imminent. Education is also a sector that has undergone huge changes due to the spreading of those devices. Even at the era of feature phones, it started to become clear that portable devices with access to the internet can be used for learning. The process of learning with the use of mobile phones was then in an early stage, due to the limitations of feature phones. Whereas, with the introduction of smartphones, education is expected to be drastically altered in the future, in most parts of the world. New, radical, and controversial in some cases, approaches have been developed, over the past years, in an effort to implement a mobile learning process in real life conditions. Intelligent tutoring systems have had rapid growth, especially in the COVID-19 era, while a significant increase in online courses via social networks has also been noted. This paper focuses on presenting the most important research parameters of m-learning during the last decade, while it also incorporates a novel empirical study in the domain. The utilization of educational data has been taken into consideration and is presented, aiming at ways to improve human interaction in the digital classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐doped g‐C3N4 (CGNS) nanocomposite with Ag2O and α‐Fe2O3 has been synthesized to improve g‐C3N4 photocatalytic activity. The prepared CGNS/Ag2O/α‐Fe2O3 (GAF [with mass ratio 3:2:1]) nanocomposite exhibits the expanded visible‐light absorption region leading to the enhanced photocatalytic performance for Acid Red 14 (AR14) degradation. Besides, it is found that the recombination rate of the charge carriers effectively suppresses the nanocomposite. For a better understanding of the photocatalytic degradation mechanism, the reactions have been performed in the presence of different scavengers. The experiments indicate that superoxide anion radicals possess a more influential role in AR14 degradation in comparison with hydroxyl radicals and holes. The degradation efficiency has been decreased from 94.68 to 85.60 after five consecutive photocatalytic tests implying that the prepared nanocomposite is a stable photocatalyst. In the end, the kinetic study of AR14 degradation on nanocomposite with considering pseudo‐first‐order kinetics results in a nonlinear empirical kinetic model development for prediction of degradation efficiency of AR14 on nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Phytopathogenic fungi cause several diseases in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), diminishing its productivity, i.e. white mold. This work aimed to isolate and characterize the causal agent of the white mold disease observed in a common bean commercial field, in Northern Mexico; as well as to identify a promising native biological control agent against this phytopathogen. Based on macro/microscopic traits (white-cottony mycelium, and sclerotia formation) and molecular identification [sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene], a fungal isolate (FRM18) obtained from symptomatic common bean plants, was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In addition, a bacterial strain (FSQ1) isolated from the common bean rhizosphere showed in vitro antagonism against S. sclerotiorum FRM18, inhibiting 2.4 ± 0.2 cm of the studied phytopathogen growth. Based on macro/microscopic traits (gram-positive bacteria, bacillary morphology, and endospore production) and molecular identification (sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene), strain FSQ1 was affiliated to the genus Bacillus. Common bean plants inoculated with S. sclerotiorum FRM18 showed a height reduction of 25% at day: 60 and white mold disease was observed (compared to un-inoculated plants), validating the Koch's postulates, which confirm that strain FRM18 is the causal agent of this disease in the field. However, common bean plants co-inoculated with S. sclerotiorum FRM18 and Bacillus sp. FSQ1 (compared to un-inoculated plants) were not affected in their development, and symptoms of the disease were not observed. Even when lipopeptides are the potential action mode of Bacillus sp. FSQ1 to inhibit S. sclerotiorum FRM18, further researches are necessary to determine the main antimicrobial compounds produced by strain FSQ1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Mycoheterotrophic plants rely on fungi to obtain their carbon requirements. Recent experiments demonstrated the presence of endophytic bacteria associated with mycoheterotrophs. Although mycoheterotrophs show high specificity for their fungal partners, it is not known whether they also show high specificity for associated bacteria or whether the bacteria have a definite function in the symbiosis. Methods: Two 16S rRNA sequencing experiments were designed to explore endophytic microbial community composition and function in root ball fractions of the mycoheterotroph Pterospora andromedea (Ericaceae), and rhizosphere soil and control soil 5 m away from each plant. One experiment compared microbial assemblages in fractions of six plants to those in rhizosphere and control soil samples. Another experiment documented bacterial endophyte diversity in root balls of 97 plants from across North America. Results: Soil samples were similar in bacterial community structure but were significantly more diverse and less consistently structured than were bacterial communities within root balls. The proportion of endophytic bacterial species varied slightly but not their community composition despite differences in P. andromedea lineage, geography, conifer species, and fungi. Predictive metagenomic profiling of the endophytes in P. andromedea‐only root ball fractions showed many of the bacterial endophytes likely function in N‐metabolism and N‐fixation. Conclusions: Our results document a consistent and largely invariant community of endophytic bacteria in P. andromedea across biotic and abiotic environmental conditions at a continental scale. It is unknown what role these bacteria may play in the quad‐partite symbiotic network centered on P. andromedea; however, the predictive metagenomic profiling suggests a possible function in N‐metabolism or N‐fixation. Discovery of a ubiquitous community of endophytic bacteria with a putative function centered on N‐metabolism or N‐fixation could have a previously unrecognized impact on understanding of mycoheterotroph ecophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In IVF centers, risk assessment applies to complex processes potentially accounting for adverse events and reactions that undergo well-established legislative oversight, and nonconformances (NCs), that lack of established tracking systems. NCs account for an integral part of the quality management system, so that their documentation is important. The study evaluated the performance of a customized tool for incident reporting (IR) to track and characterize NCs in a public IVF center. IVF operators used the IVF-customized IR tool to record NCs at the moment of detection or subsequently, and in a time-saving manner during daily practice. From February 2015 to February 2020, 635 NCs were reported leading to the implementation of 10 operative instructions and 3 procedures with corrective strategies. NCs referred to the IVF laboratory were the most numerically meaningful (454/635, 71.5%). The majority (352/454, 77.5%) accounted for NCs related to procedures of sample management; considering the analytical phase as all the procedures involving sample treatment, the intra-analytical phase (176/352, 50%) has always been more subject to NCs compared to pre- (102/352, 29%) and postanalytical (74/352, 21%) phases. Our experience showed that the IVF-customized IR tool is suitable for application in IVF with regard to NC reports and documentation, as it identifies the most vulnerable steps of treatments. It manages NCs over the time, but it requires a contextual understanding of its application in order to avoid NC underestimates that could negatively influence the safety and quality aspects of IVF treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Dietetica y Ciencias de la Alimentacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Featured Application: The results of the present work can be applied in the design of more effective (regarding both health and financial costs) sanitation protocols for indoor areas. In urban environments, people spend about 90% of their time indoors, where strong indicators of air-borne contaminants have been found. Currently, there are no reports on the fungal presence and distribution in the air of hotel bedrooms. In this study, we assessed the presence of airborne fungi in bedrooms from three hotels and correlated with room characteristics. We sampled 100 L (L) of air from hotels in Nuevo León, Mexico, then fungi colony forming units (CFU) were measured and identification was made based on morphological features. Variables considered were the presence of carpet, number of beds, cleaning status for the room and floor number. Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus exhibited the highest CFU concentration and frequency. A slight tendency was observed towards lower fungi concentrations when rooms had been cleaned before sampling. Statistical differences were found between rooms with carpet vs. no carpet, and one vs. two beds. Furthermore, a correlation between floor number and fungi concentration was observed with correspondence to the hotels' room assignment protocol. These findings offer new variables to take into consideration when designing and implementing preventive or corrective sanitization procedures to improve their efficiency and could be relevant for hotel bedrooms as well as any other type of room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A colorimetric indicator displacement assay (IDA) amenable to high‐throughput experimentation was developed to determine the percentage of cis and trans alkenes. Using 96‐well plates two steps are performed: a reaction plate for dihydroxylation of the alkenes followed by an IDA screening plate consisting of an indicator and a boronic acid. The dihydroxylation generates either erythro or threo vicinal diols from cis or trans alkenes, depending upon their syn‐ or anti‐addition mechanisms. Threo diols preferentially associate with the boronic acid due to the creation of more stable boronate esters, thus displacing the indicator to a greater extent. The generality of the protocol was demonstrated using seven sets of cis and trans alkenes. Blind mixtures of cis and trans alkenes were made, resulting in an average error of ±2 % in the percentage of cis or trans alkenes, and implementing E2 and Wittig reactions gave errors of ±3 %. Furthermore, we developed variants of the IDA for which the color may be tuned to optimize the response for the human eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rhodium‐electrocatalyzed arene C−H oxygenation by weakly O‐coordinating amides and ketones have been established by bimetallic electrocatalysis. Likewise, diverse dihydrooxazinones were selectively accessed by the judicious choice of current, enabling twofold C−H functionalization. Detailed mechanistic studies by experiment, mass spectroscopy and cyclovoltammetric analysis provided support for an unprecedented electrooxidation‐induced C−H activation by a bimetallic rhodium catalysis manifold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: (+)‐Epicatechin (EPI) induces mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant metabolism in muscle fibers and neurons. We aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of (+)‐EPI in pediatric subjects with Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). Methods: This was a phase II, open‐label, baseline‐controlled single‐center trial including 10 participants ages 10 to 22 with confirmed FA diagnosis. (+)‐EPI was administered orally at 75 mg/d for 24 weeks, with escalation to 150 mg/d at 12 weeks for subjects not showing improvement of neuromuscular, neurological or cardiac endpoints. Neurological endpoints were change from baseline in Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) and 8‐m timed walk. Cardiac endpoints were changes from baseline in left ventricular (LV) structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiogram, changes in cardiac electrophysiology, and changes in biomarkers for heart failure and hypertrophy. Results: Mean FARS/modified (m)FARS scores showed nonstatistically significant improvement by both group and individual analysis. FARS/mFARS scores improved in 5/9 subjects (56%), 8‐m walk in 3/9 (33%), 9‐peg hole test in 6/10 (60%). LV mass index by cardiac MRI was significantly reduced at 12 weeks (P =.045), and was improved in 7/10 (70%) subjects at 24 weeks. Mean LV ejection fraction was increased at 24 weeks (P =.008) compared to baseline. Mean maximal septal thickness by echocardiography was increased at 24 weeks (P =.031). There were no serious adverse events. Conclusion: (+)‐EPI was well tolerated over 24 weeks at up to 150 mg/d. Improvement was observed in cardiac structure and function in subset of subjects with FRDA without statistically significant improvement in primary neurological outcomes. Synopsis A (+)‐epicatechin showed improvement of cardiac function, nonsignificant reduction of FARS/mFARS scores, and sustained significant upregulation of muscle‐regeneration biomarker follistatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malware is a blanket term for Trojan, viruses, spyware, worms, and other files that are purposely created to harm computers, mobile devices, or computer networks. Malware commonly steals, encrypts, damages, and causes a mess in these devices. The growth of malware attacks has a consequence on the growth and attractiveness of mobile features in mobile devices. Most malware research aims to probe the different methods of preventing, analysing, and detecting malware attacks. This paper aims to demonstrate an exhaustive knowledge map of the Android malware by collecting a ten (10) year dataset from the Web of Science database. A bibliometric analysis was employed for analysing articles published between 2010 and 2019. Using the keyword "malware", 5622 articles were retrieved. After scrutinising with the keywords of "Android malware", 1278 articles were then collected. This study provides an overview of the articles, productivity, research area, the Web of Science categories, authors, high-cited articles, institutions, and impact journals examining malware. Research activities are continued by placing terms in the classification of malware detection systems that outline important areas in malware research. From the analysis, it can be concluded that the highest number of publications focusing on malware studies came from the continent of Asia. Additionally, this study discusses the challenges of malware studies in the recent research studies as well as the future direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoimmune diseases recognize a multifactorial pathogenesis, although the exact mechanism responsible for their onset remains to be fully elucidated. Over the past few years, the role of natural killer (NK) cells in shaping immune responses has been highlighted even though their involvement is profoundly linked to the subpopulation involved and to the site where such interaction takes place. The aberrant number and functionality of NK cells have been reported in several different autoimmune disorders. In the present review, we report the most recent findings regarding the involvement of NK cells in both systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. In T1D, innate inflammation induces NK cell activation, disrupting the Treg function. In addition, certain genetic variants identified as risk factors for T1D influenced the activation of NK cells promoting their cytotoxic activity. The role of NK cells has also been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of PBC mediating direct or indirect biliary epithelial cell destruction. NK cell frequency and number were enhanced in both the peripheral blood and the liver of patients and associated with increased NK cell cytotoxic activity and perforin expression levels. NK cells were also involved in the perpetuation of disease through autoreactive CD4 T cell activation in the presence of antigen-presenting cells. In systemic sclerosis (SSc), in addition to phenotypic abnormalities, patients presented a reduction in CD56hi NK-cells. Moreover, NK cells presented a deficient killing activity. The influence of the activating and inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) has been investigated in SSc and SLE susceptibility. Furthermore, autoantibodies to KIRs have been identified in different systemic autoimmune conditions. Because of its role in modulating the immune-mediated pathology, NK subpopulation could represent a potential marker for disease activity and target for therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A granular activated carbon‐sequencing batch reactor (GAC‐SBR) was used to assess the removal of organochlorine endosulfan pesticide. The reactor operated in three stages: (I) starter and stabilization; (II) addition of 4 mg/L of endosulfan in feed; and (III) a single addition of 1 g/L of GAC to mixed liquor. During the 249 days of operation, the removal efficiency of COD was 96 ± 2%; for NH4+‐N 72 ± 1%; and for PO4−3‐P 48 ± 13%. Was eliminated the 79% of endosulfan in stage II and 99% in stage III, not found its metabolite (endosulfan sulphate) in the reactor effluent. A consortium of eight bacterial strains was identified in the reactor stages, assessing five of them in the presence of 4 mg endosulfan/L by growth kinetics. According to the results, the joint action of the consortium and GAC addition is the responsible of eliminating the pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We conducted an open-label study to examine the effects of the flavonoid (-)-epicatechin in seven ambulatory adult patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).Methods: Seven participants received (-)-epicatechin 50 mg twice per day for 8 weeks. Pre- and postprocedures included biceps brachii biopsy to assess muscle structure and growth-relevant endpoints by western blotting, mitochondria volume measurement, and cristae abundance by electron microscopy, graded exercise testing, and muscle strength and function tests.Results: Western blotting showed significantly increased levels of enzymes modulating cellular bioenergetics (liver kinase B1 and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha, a transcriptional coactivator of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and cristae-associated mitofilin levels, increased as did cristae abundance. Muscle and plasma follistatin increased significantly while myostatin decreased. Markers of skeletal muscle regeneration myogenin, myogenic regulatory factor-5, myoblast determination protein 1, myocyte enhancer factor-2, and structure-associated proteins, including dysferlin, utrophin, and intracellular creatine kinase, also increased. Exercise testing demonstrated decreased heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption per kilogram, and plasma lactate levels at defined workloads. Tissue saturation index improved in resting and postexercise states.Discussion: (-)-Epicatechin, an exercise mimetic, appears to have short-term positive effects on tissue biomarkers indicative of mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle regeneration, and produced improvements in graded exercise testing parameters in patients with BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from a U.S. nationally representative survey of individuals ages 14-24 years old on what sources of information from the past year they considered to be the most helpful about how to have sex (n = 600 adolescents ages 14-17 years old, and n = 666 young adults ages 18-24 years old). Among the 324 adolescents who indicated that they had been helped by at least one source of information, helpful information was most likely to have come from parents (31.0%) and friends (21.6%). Only 8.4% of adolescents said pornography was helpful. However, for those in the 18-24-year-old age group, pornography was the most commonly endorsed helpful source (24.5%), as compared to other possible options such as sexual partners, friends, media, and health care professionals. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that indicating that pornography was the most helpful source of information about how to have sex, compared to the other sources, was inversely associated with being female (OR = 0.32, p = .001), inversely associated with identifying as bisexual compared to heterosexual (OR = 0.15, p = .038), positively associated with being Black compared to being white non-Hispanic (OR = 4.26, p = .021), inversely associated with reporting a household income of either $25 K to $49,999 (OR = 0.31, p = .010) or $50 K to $74,999 (OR = 0.36, p = .019) compared to more than $75 K, and positively associated with having masturbated (OR = 13.20, p = .005). Subsequent research should investigate the role of pornography in both adolescent and adult sexual development, including why one-quarter of U.S. young adults say that pornography is a helpful source of information about how to have sex and what they think that they are learning from it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro‐ and nanopatterning of proteins on surfaces allows to develop for example high‐throughput biosensors in biomedical diagnostics and in general advances the understanding of cell‐material interactions in tissue engineering. Today, many techniques are available to generate protein pattern, ranging from technically simple ones, such as micro‐contact printing, to highly tunable optical lithography or even technically sophisticated scanning probe lithography. Here, one focus is on the progress made in the development of protein‐based materials as positive or negative photoresists allowing micro‐ to nanostructured scaffolds for biocompatible photonic, electronic and tissue engineering applications. The second one is on approaches, which allow a controlled spatiotemporal positioning of a single protein on surfaces, enabled by the recent developments in immobilization techniques coherent with the sensitive nature of proteins, defined protein orientation and maintenance of the protein activity at interfaces. The third one is on progress in photolithography‐based methods, which allow to control the formation of protein‐repellant/adhesive polymer brushes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]