Search

Abstract The CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) is a potential target for chronic inflammatory diseases. Previously, we reported an active CCR6 structure in complex with its cognate chemokine CCL20, revealing the molecular basis of CCR6 activation. Here, we present two inactive CCR6 structures in ternary complexes with different allosteric antagonists, CCR6/SQA1/OXM1 and CCR6/SQA1/OXM2. The oxomorpholine analogues, OXM1 and OXM2 are highly selective CCR6 antagonists which bind to an extracellular pocket and disrupt the receptor activation network. An energetically favoured U-shaped conformation in solution that resembles the bound form is observed for the active analogues. SQA1 is a squaramide derivative with close-in analogues reported as antagonists of chemokine receptors including CCR6. SQA1 binds to an intracellular pocket which overlaps with the G protein site, stabilizing a closed pocket that is a hallmark of inactive GPCRs. Minimal communication between the two allosteric pockets is observed, in contrast to the prevalent allosteric cooperativity model of GPCRs. This work highlights the versatility of GPCR antagonism by small molecules, complementing previous knowledge of CCR6 activation, and sheds light on drug discovery targeting CCR6.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the needs of Non-Accountancy, Business, and Management (Non-ABM) graduates enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) program at a private college institution in Pagadian City, Philippines. Methodology: Utilizing a purposive sampling method, the study selected 25 Non-ABM graduate participants who met the study's criteria. A qualitative case study approach, guided by Merriam's Case Study model, was employed, collecting data through interviews, observations, and data searching. Result: The findings revealed that Non-ABM graduates experienced difficulties in keeping up with ABM graduates. Some participants relied on support from relatives and friends to enhance their learning. The study highlighted a significant need for basic accounting tutorials and review classes among Non-ABM students. These needs were addressed through the provision of YouTube tutorial links and simplified handouts. Recommendations: Participants recommended a more gradual phasing of lesson delivery to improve learning for Non-ABM graduates. The study provides valuable insights into the unique learning processes and needs of Non-ABM students in the BSA program, offering a foundation for academic institutions and educators to develop effective support systems and interventions. This research contributes to a better understanding of the challenges, needs, and learning experiences of Non-ABM graduates enrolled in the BSA program. Abstrak Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai kebutuhan lulusan Non-Akuntansi, Bisnis, dan Manajemen (Non-ABM) yang terdaftar dalam program Sarjana Sains Akuntansi (BSA) di sebuah lembaga perguruan tinggi swasta di Kota Pagadian, Filipina. Metodologi: Dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling, penelitian ini memilih 25 peserta lulusan Non-ABM yang memenuhi kriteria penelitian. Pendekatan studi kasus kualitatif, dipandu oleh model Studi Kasus Merriam, digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan pencarian data. Hasil: Temuan menunjukkan bahwa lulusan Non-ABM mengalami kesulitan untuk mengimbangi lulusan ABM. Beberapa peserta mengandalkan dukungan dari kerabat dan teman untuk meningkatkan pembelajaran mereka. Studi ini menyoroti kebutuhan yang signifikan untuk tutorial akuntansi dasar dan kelas review di antara mahasiswa Non-ABM. Kebutuhan ini diatasi melalui penyediaan tautan tutorial YouTube dan handout yang disederhanakan. Rekomendasi: Para peserta merekomendasikan pentahapan yang lebih bertahap dalam penyampaian pelajaran untuk meningkatkan pembelajaran bagi lulusan Non-ABM. Penelitian ini memberikan wawasan yang berharga tentang proses pembelajaran yang unik dan kebutuhan siswa Non-ABM dalam program BSA, yang menawarkan landasan bagi lembaga akademik dan pendidik untuk mengembangkan sistem dukungan dan intervensi yang efektif. Penelitian ini berkontribusi pada pemahaman yang lebih baik tentang tantangan, kebutuhan, dan pengalaman belajar lulusan Non-ABM yang terdaftar dalam program BSA.

Abstract Background Over the past decades, media use has become a key aspect of young people’s daily lives, significantly shaping their social interactions, learning processes, and recreational pursuits. At the same time, healthcare professionals and researchers are increasingly concerned about the impact of media use on young people’s mental health. This concern is particularly relevant for gender diverse youth who may have distinct experiences with media that could impact their mental health uniquely compared to their peers, such as increased exposure to cyberbullying and negative content regarding their gender identity. This study aims to explore the associations between media use and depressive symptoms among youth and examine if gender moderates this association. Methods This study utilized a cross-sectional design involving a school-based sample of 8158 participants (M age = 14.05 years, SD = 2.45, N diverse = 144) from Austria. Participants completed a survey assessing their media use and depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Media use was measured by asking participants to report their daily usage in hours and minutes across various categories, including smartphone use, streaming services, social networks, and other media types. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between different forms of media use and depressive symptoms. Moderation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS to explore the role of gender. Results For gender diverse youth, multiple regression analysis identified streaming services (β = 0.265, p = .005) and social networks (β = 0.189, p = .037) as significant predictors of depressive symptoms in gender diverse youth. Moderation analyses conducted with the entire sample showed that gender moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and smartphone use (B = - 0.008, p = .014), with the effect being the most negative for gender diverse individuals. Conclusion The findings underscore the complex relationship between media use and depressive symptoms among gender diverse youth, emphasizing the moderating role of gender. These results underline the need for gender-sensitive approaches in media literacy and mental health interventions. Stakeholders should be aware of risks and benefits of different media types to foster healthy media engagement.

Abstract Background This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the newly developed semi-structured interview, Interview Version of the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS-I), which is designed to provide a dimensional assessment of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Methods Multi-informant baseline data from the OPTIE study was used, involving 358 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years (M = 11.54, SD = 3.4, n = 140 [39.1%] were female). Participants were screened for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. For validity analyses, caregiver (Child Behavior Checklist), youth (Youth Self Report), and teacher ratings (Teacher Report Form) were used. We performed Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of the SFSS-I subscales in distinguishing between children and adolescents diagnosed with internalizing and externalizing disorders, as determined by clinical judgement in routine care. Results Confirmatory factor analyses supported a correlated two-factor model for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Acceptable to good internal consistencies (α = 0.76 to 0.89; ω = 0.76 to 0.90) and excellent interrater reliability on the scale level (ICC ≥ 0.91) was found. The ROC analyses showed an acceptable accuracy in identifying internalizing diagnoses (AUC = 0.76) and excellent accuracy for externalizing diagnoses (AUC = 0.84). Conclusion The SFSS-I demonstrates potential as a clinically-rated instrument for screening and routine outcome monitoring, offering utility in both clinical practice and research settings for the dimensional assessment of broad psychopathological dimensions. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00016737 ( https://www.drks.de/DRKS00016737 ). Registered 17 September, 2019.

Abstract This research explores the roles of (1) the stakeholder categories conservation association, land use association, public authority and research group, (2) Organizational Culture, operationalized by the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument; (3) Environmental Worldview, operationalized by the New Environmental Paradigm; and (4) Environmental Risk Perception, operationalized by the Myths of Physical Nature, in shaping the interactions in the social network of environmental stakeholders in the city and district of Osnabrück in Northwest Germany. First, the study examines the stakeholder categories (1), regarding the expression of the constructs (2), (3) and (4) among them. Second, all constructs (1), (2), (3) and (4) are examined regarding possible correlations with the presence of collaboration and conflict between stakeholders. Our analysis reveals that (1) Stakeholder Categories are significantly correlated with the presence of collaboration, but not of conflict. (2) A significant correlation between membership of a stakeholder category and the dominant manifestation of a particular organizational culture is present, while no correlation between Organizational Cultures and the presence of collaborations or conflicts could be found. Moreover, the study highlights (3) a generally pro-environmental orientation across stakeholders as captured by the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP), indicating a shared foundation for potential collaborative efforts. (4) Analysis of Environmental Risk Perception, through the Cultural Theory’s myths of physical nature, uncovers a widespread preference for the hierarchical myth, suggesting a common perception of environmental risks and resilience. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological and social dimensions in environmental stakeholder management to enhance collaborative efforts towards sustainable development. It highlights the need for management approaches that acknowledge the complex interplay of diverse psychological constructs in driving effective and sustainable collaborations between stakeholders of regional land use, nature conservation, public authorities, academia and other sectors depending on the context. Through its insights into stakeholder interactions, this research contributes to the broader discourse on achieving sustainable development goals through informed, cooperative stakeholder engagement.

Abstract Objective To develop and validate machine learning models for predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) within a Taiwanese cohort, with an emphasis on identifying significant predictors and comparing the performance of various models. Methods This study involved a comprehensive analysis of clinical, demographic, and laboratory data from 8,495 subjects in Taiwan Biobank (TWB) after propensity score matching to address potential confounding factors. Key variables included age, gender, lipid profiles (T-CHO, HDL_C, LDL_C, TG), smoking and alcohol consumption habits, and renal and liver function markers. The performance of multiple machine learning models was evaluated. Results The cohort comprised 1,699 individuals with CAD identified through self-reported questionnaires. Significant differences were observed between CAD and non-CAD individuals regarding demographics and clinical features. Notably, the Gradient Boosting model emerged as the most accurate, achieving an AUC of 0.846 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.819–0.873), sensitivity of 0.776 (95% CI, 0.732–0.820), and specificity of 0.759 (95% CI, 0.736–0.782), respectively. The accuracy was 0.762 (95% CI, 0.742–0.782). Age was identified as the most influential predictor of CAD risk within the studied dataset. Conclusion The Gradient Boosting machine learning model demonstrated superior performance in predicting CAD within the Taiwanese cohort, with age being a critical predictor. These findings underscore the potential of machine learning models in enhancing the prediction accuracy of CAD, thereby supporting early detection and targeted intervention strategies. Trial registration Not applicable.

Abstract Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has extended the lifespan of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), exposing them to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Hypertension (HTN), the primary contributor to CVD burden, is increasingly concerning for PLHIV. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension in PLHIV on ART at the National Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (HKM) of Benin using a prospective cross-sectional study conducted between October and December 2021. Patients who had a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or/and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or/and current use of antihypertensive medication from medical records were considered to have HTN. A total of 352 patients, including 260 women with a sex ratio of 0.3 were included. The mean age was 42.9 ± 11.9 years. Most patients were educated and did not use tobacco. 42.0% were current alcohol drinkers. The duration of ART treatment ranged from 0 to 22 years, with a median duration of 5.0 years. 14.2% were hypertensives with 3.1% newly diagnosed and 11.1% known with hypertension. Age above 40 years, living with a partner, alcohol consumption and body mass index greater than 25 were significantly associated with HTN. HTN in PLHIV is associated with numerous factors. Reducing the burden of the disease in target people in Benin requires a wide range of actions that need to be implemented.

Abstract Fluorescence polarization (Fpol) imaging of methylene blue (MB) is a promising quantitative approach to thyroid cancer detection. Clinical translation of MB Fpol technology requires reduction of the data analysis time that can be achieved via deep learning-based automated cell segmentation with a 2D U-Net convolutional neural network. The model was trained and tested using images of pathologically diverse human thyroid cells and evaluated by comparing the number of cells selected, segmented areas, and Fpol values obtained using automated (AU) and manual (MA) data processing methods. Overall, the model segmented 15.8% more cells than the human operator. Differences in AU and MA segmented cell areas varied between − 55.2 and + 31.0%, whereas differences in Fpol values varied from − 20.7 and + 10.7%. No statistically significant differences between AU and MA derived Fpol data were observed. The largest differences in Fpol values correlated with greatest discrepancies in AU versus MA segmented cell areas. Time required for auto-processing was reduced to 10 s versus one hour required for MA data processing. Implementation of the automated cell analysis makes quantitative fluorescence polarization-based diagnosis clinically feasible.

Abstract Background In recent decades, agricultural landscapes have been profoundly modified due to the intensification of agriculture, therefore leading to significant disturbances in all components of biodiversity. A survey on the knowledge of beekeeping realities and the use of phytosanitary products in areas of high honey production in Burkina Faso was carried out. Beekeeping realities design the state of beekeeping activities in the study localities. Methods The objective of this survey was to characterize Beekeeping operations and to assess the level of knowledge of beekeepers on the effects of the use of phytosanitary products through different beekeeping and agricultural practices. In this sense, 113 farmer beekeepers from the Boucle du Mouhoun, Hauts-Bassins and Nord regions in Burkina Faso were surveyed about their different beekeeping practices. Results The results obtained indicated that beekeeping is a secondary activity (96.47%) and is mainly practiced by men (90.27%). The respondents have mostly an average of 22 traditional hives. The majority of beekeepers have not received training (84.07%) on the hazards of plant protection products on their beekeeping farms. However, a large amount of beekeepers (70.73%) acknowledged that the use of plant protection products could be harmful to their activity. Hives are usually installed in or near the fields. The plant protection products used for crop protection are herbicides (27%), insecticides (23%), fungicides (8%), but especially mixed (42%). Conclusion The results show that beekeeping in Burkina Faso remains traditional and is practiced for sociocultural reasons. The use of pesticides close to beekeeping could play a role in bee colony collapse taking place in these regions. Training beekeepers on the dangers of the chemicals they use in fields near hives is therefore essential.

Abstract Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition marked by reduced bone density and an elevated risk of fractures, especially among postmenopausal women. Exercise plays a crucial role in preventing and managing osteoporosis, with weight-bearing and impact exercises being particularly effective in enhancing bone density and mitigating disease risk. This study investigated the relationship between various types of impact exercises and osteoporosis using data from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB). The study sample comprised 5,123 individuals without osteoporosis and 1,770 individuals with the condition. Student’s t-test and logistic regression analyses were utilized to assess the associations between exercise types and osteoporosis risk. Results indicated that high-impact exercise significantly reduced the likelihood of developing osteoporosis compared to no exercise (odds ratio; OR = 0.573, 95% CI: 0.406–0.810, P = 0.002). Conversely, low-impact exercises did not show a significant overall association with osteoporosis (OR = 1.160, 95% CI: 0.932–1.445, P = 0.184). Stratified analysis by sex revealed that high-impact exercise was protective against osteoporosis in men (OR = 0.391, 95% CI: 0.202–0.755, P = 0.005), but not significantly so in women (OR = 0.671, 95% CI: 0.438–1.027, P = 0.066). These findings suggest that high-impact exercise is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis, particularly among Taiwanese men aged 30 to 70.

Global climate change threatens ecosystem functioning worldwide. Forest ecosystems are particularly important for carbon sequestration, thereby buffering climate change and providing socio-economic services. However, recurrent stresses, such as heat waves, droughts and floods can affect forests with potential cascading effects on their carbon sink capacity, drought resilience and sustainability. Knowledge about the stress impact on the multitude of processes driving soil-plant-atmosphere interactions within these complex forest systems is widely lacking and uncertainty about future changes extremely high. Thus, forecasting forest response to climate change will require a dramatically improved process understanding of carbon and water cycling across various temporal (minutes to seasons) and spatial (leaf to ecosystem) scales covering atmosphere, biosphere, pedosphere and hydrosphere components.Many relevant processes controlling carbon and water exchange occur at small scales (e.g. rhizosphere, single leaf) with a high spatial and temporal variability, which is poorly constrained. However, interactions and feedback loops can be key players that amplify or dampen a system’s response to stress. Moreover, spatial and temporal scaling rules for these non-linear processes in structurally and functionally diverse ecosystems are unknown. Legacy effects, for example, altered response after previous stress and retarded recovery of forests after climate extremes, are not captured in state-of-the-art models. Currently, we are lacking the appropriate and interconnected measurement, data assimilation and modelling tools allowing for a comprehensive, real-time quantification of key processes at high spatio-temporal coverage in heterogeneous environments. Moreover, since climate impacts are highly unpredictable with respect to timing and location, future research will require novel mobile, easily deployable and cost-efficient approaches. ECOSENSE, therefore, assembles expertise from environmental and engineering sciences, both being excellently paired at the University of Freiburg.Our interdisciplinary research project will investigate all relevant scales in a next-generation ecosystem research assessment (ECOSENSE). Our vision is to detect and forecast critical changes in ecosystem functioning, based on the understanding of hierarchical process interaction. In the first phase, ECOSENSE will explore these process interactions by investigating pools and fluxes of water and carbon, i.e. CO2 exchange, isotope discrimination and volatile organic compounds (VOC), as well as stress indicators by remotely and in situ sensed chlorophyll fluorescence.To address these research tasks, ECOSENSE will develop, implement and test a distributed, autonomous, intelligent sensor network, based on novel microsensors tailored to the specific needs in remote and harsh forest environments. They will measure the spatio-temporal dynamics of ecosystem pools and fluxes in a naturally complex structured forest system with minimal physiological impact. Measured data will be transferred in real-time into a sophisticated database, which will be explored for process analysis, conducted by Artificial Intelligence and close to real-time process-based ecosystem models for now- and forecasting applications. Thereby, ECOSENSE will: i) break new ground for integrative ecosystem research by identifying hierarchies and interactions of abiotic and physiological processes of forest carbon and water exchange, ii) provide a profound understanding of complex ecosystem responses to environmental stressors and iii) enable the prediction of process-based alterations in ecosystem functioning and sustainability.Our novel ECOSENSE toolkit, tested and validated in controlled climate extreme experiments and our ECOSENSE Forest, will open new horizons for rapid assessment in vast and remote ecosystems. Thereby, ECOSENSE will allow for a unique avenue of data acquisition and, consequently, for unprecedented scale-crossing ecosystem understanding and modelling.

This video essay attempts an audiovisual analysis of subjectively motivated sounds and music in Lynne Ramsay’s We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) based on Danijela Kulezic-Wilson’s ideas about “film musicality” and “integrated soundtracks”.

Introduction: This mixed methods study describes processes to actively engage underserved, immigrant, and refugee communities in COVID-19 vaccine efforts to co-create culturally relevant resources and dissemination.Methods: A survey on health care characteristics and COVID-19 attitudes was deployed between March-November 2021 followed by listening sessions conducted in December 2021. All participants were recruited through the project's Community Advisory Board. The survey, completed by 77 adults, was available in English, Spanish, Burmese, Kizigua, and Karen. Listening sessions were led by trained, multilingual, and multicultural interviewers.Results: Doctors/healthcare providers were rated as the most trusted messengers of COVID-19 information, however, trusted sources varied across communities. Data from three listening sessions (with a total of 14 participants) expanded survey findings with a focus on trusted sources of COVID-19 communication.Conclusions: This study confirmed the importance of healthcare professionals as trusted messengers for COVID-19 information among underserved communities. Qualitative data highlighted the importance of schools, ethnically-based community organizations, and friends/family with health and English literacy skills for immigrant and refugee communities. Findings suggest opportunities for collaboration with specific trusted sources for future public health dissemination efforts.Trial registration: not applicable.

We examine whether the effects of research impact on faculty compensation and promotion to full professor differ for male and female associate and full professors in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. We exclude faculty with MDs and DDSs and proxy for research impact using the faculty member's h-index, where h represents the number of publications that have been cited at least h times. We find that while the compensation of male faculty members increases by 0.6% for every one-unit increase in the h-index, the compensation of female faculty is essentially uncorrelated with their h-indices. We likewise find that for female faculty to be promoted to full professor they have to have higher research impact proxies than their male peers. Our findings highlight the urgent need for more research on the gendered relationships between research impact and career rewards among faculty.

The foodborne mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) produced by Fusarium species threats animal and human health through disruption of the intestinal barrier. Targeting the gut microbiota and its products appears as a promising strategy to mitigate DON intestinal toxicity. In this study, we investigated whether the bacterial metabolite butyrate could alleviate epithelial barrier disruption induced by DON. We used a model of cell monolayers derived from porcine jejunum organoids allowing to reproduce the cellular complexity of the intestinal epithelium. Our results show that DON dose-dependently disrupted the epithelial barrier integrity, reduced epithelial differentiation, and altered innate immune defenses. Butyrate attenuated the DON-induced increase in paracellular permeability. Butyrate also prevented epithelial barrier dysfunction triggered by anisomycin, a ribosome inhibitor like DON. Moreover, butyrate partially counteracted the effects of DON on tight junctions (TJP1, OCLN), innate epithelial defenses (PTGS2, CD14, TLR4, TLR5), and absorptive cell functions (CA2, VIL1, NHE3, CFTR). In contrast, butyrate did not prevent the toxic effects of DON on mitochondrial metabolism, proliferation and goblet cell functions. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the bacterial metabolite butyrate is able to reduce DON-induced epithelial barrier disruption.

Summary: Background: Real-world data on gene addition therapy (GAT) with onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA), including all age groups and with or without symptoms of the disease before treatment are needed to provide families with evidence-based advice and realistic therapeutic goals. Aim of this study is therefore a population-based analysis of all patients with SMA treated with OA across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH). Methods: This observational study included individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treated with OA in 29 specialized neuromuscular centers in the D-A-CH-region. A standardized data set including WHO gross motor milestones, SMA validated motor assessments, need for nutritional and respiratory support, and adverse events was collected using the SMArtCARE registry and the Swiss-Reg-NMD. Outcome data were analyzed using a prespecified statistical analysis plan including potential predictors such as age at GAT, SMN2 copy number, past treatment, and symptom status. Findings: 343 individuals with SMA (46% male, 54% female) with a mean age at OA of 14.0 months (range 0–90, IQR 20.0 months) were included in the analysis. 79 (23%) patients were clinically presymptomatic at the time of treatment. 172 (50%) patients received SMN2 splice-modifying drugs prior to GAT (risdiplam: n = 16, nusinersen: n = 154, both: n = 2). Functional motor improvement correlated with lower age at GAT, with the best motor outcome in those younger than 6 weeks, carrying 3 SMN2 copies, and being clinically presymptomatic at time of treatment. The likelihood of requiring ventilation or nutritional support showed a significantly increase with older age at the time of GAT and remained stable thereafter. Pre-treatment had no effect on disease trajectories. Liver-related adverse events occurred significantly less frequently up to 8 months of age. All other adverse events showed an even distribution across all age and weight groups. Interpretation: Overall, motor, respiratory, and nutritional outcome were dependent on timing of GAT and initial symptom status. It was best in presymptomatic children treated within the first six weeks of life, but functional motor scores also increased significantly after treatment in all age groups up to 24 months. Additionally, OA was best tolerated when administered at a young age. Our study therefore highlights the need for SMA newborn screening and immediate treatment to achieve the best possible benefit-risk ratio. Funding: The SMArtCARE and Swiss-Reg-NMD registries are funded by different sources (see acknowledgements).

Background: While there are well-established treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), these interventions appear to be less effective for individuals with comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for PTSD and DBT Prolonged Exposure (PE) are both effective interventions for treating these patients, but a comprehensive analysis evaluating the efficacy of these two interventions is lacking.Objective: To determine the effect sizes of PTSD-specific DBT treatments.Methods: We conducted a systematic review and pre-registered meta-analysis of the DBT literature for treating PTSD (osf.io/62rfq). Eligible trials and treatment evaluations published before September 2023 were searched in SCOPUS, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases. Thirteen articles were identified, and data were extracted for primary (PTSD symptoms) and secondary outcomes (BPD, depression, dissociation, non-suicidal self-injury [NSSI]). Treatment effects were calculated for randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and pre-post evaluations.Results: Overall, the studies involved 663 participants. Compared with control groups, PTSD-specific DBT treatments showed moderate effects in reducing PTSD symptom severity g = −0.69 (95% CI −1.03 to −0.34, p

Machine vision systems for automatic defect detection commonly adopt 2D image-based systems or 3D laser triangulation systems. 2D and 3D systems present opposite advantages and disadvantages depending on the typology and position of defects to be detected. When the variety of defects is large, none of them performs defect detection accurately. To overcome this limitation, this paper illustrates a hybrid Deep Learning-supported system where the 2D- and 3D-generated data are juxtaposed and analyzed contextually. Anomaly scores are subsequently determined to distinguish suitable and uncompliant parts. The implementation of the hybrid system allowed the identification of defective parts in an aluminium die-cast component with an accuracy concerning true positives of over 95% by comparing the system outputs with human defect detection. The inspection time was reduced by approximately 20% if compared, once again, with the same activities performed by humans.

The research investigates integrated water management with complex socio-environmental interactions in worsening climate change scenarios. The proposed methodology involves the integration of Atmosphere–Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCM) with Water Evaluation and Planning models (WEAP) to ensure water availability in the future. Two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) integrate environmental, socioeconomic, and political elements under climate change scenarios with greater rainfall variability, extreme droughts, and floods in the metropolitan area of Morelos, located in the Center of México. Water availability in this region, along with population growth, industrialization, service activities, and agriculture, depends on forest conservation in the Ravines System of Northwest Morelos (RSNM). Public policy lacks interdisciplinary socio-environmental development, which prioritizes unsustainable economic growth overexploiting aquifers and polluting rivers. Official data from national and state governments do not reflect water conditions, and aquifer statistics date back decades. The majority of the analyzed models predict a delay in the monsoon, higher temperatures, extreme climate events, depletion of groundwater, and severe water scarcity during the hot months, rendering them unable to meet the increasing demand. This research provides valuable insights into the complex socioeconomic dynamics of a region with future water scarcity, which could be useful for similar conditions in the Global South.

Versicolorin A (VERA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus section Flavi species that is frequently detected in foodstuffs, particularly in corn. VERA is a precursor of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is currently considered to be the most hazardous mycotoxin. While AFB1 has been shown to impair oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the impact of VERA on mitochondrial function has not been extensively documented until now. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of VERA on mitochondrial function in intestinal Caco-2 cells. To this end, OXPHOS was assessed by measuring the oxygen consumption rate using the Seahorse™ real-time analyzer. In contrast to AFB1, a low concentration of VERA (5 µM) was a strong uncoupler of OXPHOS and inhibited respiratory complexes I and III within a few minutes of exposure. After 24 h of exposure, VERA reduced the transcription of all mitochondrial genes encoding proteins involved in the electron transfer chain as well as decreasing the rate of OXPHOS. This effect was associated with the simultaneous down expression of two genes encoding proteins involved in the initiation phase of mitochondrial DNA transcription: POLRMT and TFB2M. Moreover, VERA induced down expression of genes coding for upstream key glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase and phosphofructokinase. These effects led to a reduced rate of ATP production associated with a cytotoxic effect. Given the significant implications of mitochondrial dysfunction for human health, it is crucial to consider the potential involvement of VERA in mitochondrial diseases.

With the partial legalization of high-THC Cannabis sativa across 23 states for recreational use and 38 states for medical purposes in the United States, the Cannabis industry is poised for significant growth. Projected to reach a sales volume of $50.7 billion by 2028, this growth is driven by the trend of lifting Cannabis prohibition. High-THC C. sativa cultivars, containing more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) as defined by the 2018 US Farm Bill, are used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Cannabis sativa is a short day, dioecious, annual plant, where female plants are favored for THC production, which requires seed feminization techniques to ensure an accurate female plant population. This involves using an ethylene inhibitor to induce sex reversal, leading to male flower development on female plants, allowing for self-pollination and the production of feminized seeds. However, challenges such as seed viability and the occurrence of male flowers in progeny have been noted. This review provides guidelines to enhance the production of viable feminized seeds in high-THC Cannabis cultivars. Literature findings indicate that Silver Thiosulfate (STS) is the most effective ethylene inhibitor for sex reversal and seed feminization in high-THC Cannabis cultivars. Specifically, a single dose of 3 mM STS should be applied during the vegetative stage via foliar spraying until runoff, followed by exposure to a short photoperiod of up to 12 hours to induce flowering and seed production. Progeny plants should be assessed for seed germination rate and compared for growth performance with the original parent plant to assess the declining effects of inbreeding. Adhering to these guidelines can improve the quality and viability of feminized seeds, meeting commercial market standards and industry demands for high-THC Cannabis cultivars.

Determining the correct harvest time is essential for maintaining post-harvest fruit quality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biochemical and physiological effect of three different harvest times on maintaining post-harvest quality in ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes from the state of Roraima, sold in markets in the city of Manaus. The treatments consisted of the different harvest times: control, harvested 90 days after anthesis; early harvest, harvested 70 days after anthesis; and late harvest, harvested 105 days after anthesis. At the end of the experimental period, mangoes harvested at 70 DAA were found to have a low carotenoid content, with the pulp unable to reach commercial maturity; the pulp had a high level of firmness, with the highest concentrations of vitamin C and phenolics, and the greatest antioxidant activity. When the mangoes were harvested at 105 DAA, the pulp had the least firmness and a sugar content very close to that of the early-harvested fruit, with lower concentrations of phenolics and vitamin C, and lower antioxidant activity. On the other hand, the fruit harvested at 90 DAA showed adequate physical resistance and acceptable results for sensory quality, functional compounds and antioxidant activity.