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Objective: To address thyroid cancer overdiagnosis, we aim to develop a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm to determine the appropriateness of thyroid ultrasounds (TUS). Patients and Methods: Between 2017 and 2021, we identified 18,000 TUS patients at Mayo Clinic and selected 628 for chart review to create a ground truth dataset based on consensus. We developed a rule-based NLP pipeline to identify TUS as appropriate TUS (aTUS) or inappropriate TUS (iTUS) using patients’ clinical notes and additional meta information. In addition, we designed an abbreviated NLP pipeline (aNLP) solely focusing on labels from TUS order requisitions to facilitate deployment at other health care systems. Our dataset was split into a training set of 468 (75%) and a test set of 160 (25%), using the former for rule development and the latter for performance evaluation. Results: There were 449 (95.9%) patients identified as aTUS and 19 (4.06%) as iTUS in the training set; there are 155 (96.88%) patients identified as aTUS and 5 (3.12%) were iTUS in the test set. In the training set, the pipeline achieved a sensitivity of 0.99, specificity of 0.95, and positive predictive value of 1.0 for detecting aTUS. The testing cohort revealed a sensitivity of 0.96, specificity of 0.80, and positive predictive value of 0.99. Similar performance metrics were observed in the aNLP pipeline. Conclusion: The NLP models can accurately identify the appropriateness of a thyroid ultrasound from clinical documentation and order requisition information, a critical initial step toward evaluating the drivers and outcomes of TUS use and subsequent thyroid cancer overdiagnosis.

Abstract We study 𝔰𝔩2 and 𝔰𝔩3 global conformal blocks on a sphere and a torus, using the shadow formalism. These blocks arise in the context of Virasoro and 𝒲3 conformal field theories in the large central charge limit. In the 𝔰𝔩2 case, we demonstrate that the shadow formalism yields the known expressions in terms of conformal partial waves. Then, we extend this approach to the 𝔰𝔩3 case and show that it allows to build simple integral representations for 𝔰𝔩3 global blocks. We demonstrate this construction on two examples: the four-point block on the sphere and the one-point torus block.

Dataset of annual monitoring of herbivory effects on the conservation status of the endangered species Androcymbium europaeum (Lange) K. Richt and its associated plant communities is presented in this manuscript. This dataset encompasses the annual monitoring of herbivory effects on the conservation status of the endangered species Androcymbium europaeum. Since 2010, the SERPAM Department (Service of Evaluation, Restoration and Protection of Mediterranean Agrosystems) at the Zaidin Experimental Station, belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC-EEZ), has conducted annual sampling to assess the impact of both domestic and wild livestock, specifically rabbits, on the pastures where A. europaeum lives. The study consisted of a randomised block design, implementing three distinct treatments to evaluate different management strategies: (1) rabbit and domestic herbivory, (2) exclusion of domestic livestock and (3) exclusion of rabbits and domestic livestock. Within each treatment, two types of monitoring were conducted. Firstly, the abundance of A. europaeum was estimated by counting individuals within 50 cm x 50 cm quadrats. Secondly, plant species diversity was assessed along 2-m long transects using the modified Point-Quadrat method. The research was conducted within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in southern Spain, specifically in the Amoladeras Nature Reserve in Almería.The dataset contains information spanning from 2010 to 2023, providing valuable insights into the annual monitoring of herbivory effects on the conservation status of A. europaeum, contributing to our understanding of the species' interaction with domestic and wild animal in the studied area.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of functional or biomechanical bandages, whether elastic or inelastic, in Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). Methods: This review used PubMed, WoS, SCOPUS, and CINAHL following PRISMA and registering in Prospero. Main PICOS: (1) CAI; (2) intervention, functional/biomechanical bandages; (3) comparison, taping effect versus placebo/no taping, or another functional taping; (4) outcomes, improvement of CAI functionality (dynamic/static balance, ankle kinematic, perception, agility and motor control, endurance and strength; (5) experimental and preexperimental studies. The meta-analyses considered mean and s.d. of the results per variable; effect size (ES) of each study and for each type of intervention. Homogeneity (Q), heterogeneity (H2 and I2), and 95% CI were calculated. Results: In total, 28 studies were selected. Significant differences were found for dynamic balance (66.66%) and static balance (87.5%), ankle kinematics (75.00%), perceptions (88.88%), plantar flexor strength (100%), muscle activity (66.6%), endurance (100%), functional performance (100%), and gait (66.6%). The main results of meta-analyses (eight studies) are as follows – h/M ratio soleus, ES: 0.080, 95% CI: −5.219–5.379; h/M ratio peroneus, ES: 0.070, 95% CI: −6.151–6.291; posteromedial KT, ES: 0.042 95% CI: −0.514–0.598; posteromedial—overall, ES: −0.006 95% CI: −1.071–0.819; mSEBT-KT, ES: 0.057 95% CI: −0.281–0.395; mSEBT—overall, ES: −0.035 95% CI: −0.190–0.590. Conclusions: All biomechanical or functional bandages, whether elastic or inelastic, applied in CAI were favorable, highlighting patient perception, dynamic and static balance, kinematics and agility and motor control, for its effectiveness and evidence. Thus, bandages increase ankle functionality. The meta-analyses found no statistical significance. Clinically, soleus muscle activity, h-reflex/M-responses using fibular reposition with rigid tape, and dynamic balance with combined kinesiotaping during the modified star excursion balance test and with the posteromedial direction found improvements. Level of evidence: Level of evidence according to Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network: 1+. Level of evidence according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011: 1.

Abstract Background Ixodid ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., are important vectors of various disease-causing agents in dogs and humans in Cuba. However, our understading of interactions among tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in infected dogs or the vector R. sanguineus s.l. remains limited. This study integrates microfluidic-based high-throughput real-time PCR data, Yule's Q statistic, and network analysis to elucidate pathogen-pathogen interactions in dogs and ticks in tropical western Cuba. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 46 client-owned dogs was conducted. Blood samples were collected from these dogs, and ticks infesting the same dogs were morphologically and molecularly identified. Nucleic acids were extracted from both canine blood and tick samples. Microfluidic-based high-throughput real-time PCR was employed to detect 25 bacterial species, 10 parasite species, 6 bacterial genera, and 4 parasite taxa, as well as to confirm the identity of the collected ticks. Validation was performed through end-point PCR assays and DNA sequencing analysis. Yule's Q statistic and network analysis were used to analyse the associations between different TBP species based on binary presence-absence data. Results The study revealed a high prevalence of TBPs in both dogs and R. sanguineus s.l., the only tick species found on the dogs. Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis were among the most common pathogens detected. Co-infections were observed, notably between E. canis and H. canis. Significant correlations were found between the presence of Anaplasma platys and H. canis in both dogs and ticks. A complex co-occurrence network among haemoparasite species was identified, highlighting potential facilitative and inhibitory roles. Notably, H. canis was found as a highly interconnected node, exhibiting significant positive associations with various taxa, including A. platys, and E. canis, suggesting facilitative interactions among these pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis showed genetic diversity in the detected TBPs. Conclusions Overall, this research enhances our understanding of TBPs in Cuba, providing insights into their prevalence, associations, and genetic diversity, with implications for disease surveillance and management. Graphical abstract

Abstract Background Previous studies by our group have shown that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the main pathway by which pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) meet their energetic requirements; therefore, OXPHOS represents an Achille’s heel of these highly tumorigenic cells. Unfortunately, therapies that target OXPHOS in CSCs are lacking. Methods The safety and anti-CSC activity of a ruthenium complex featuring bipyridine and terpyridine ligands and one coordination labile position (Ru1) were evaluated across primary pancreatic cancer cultures and in vivo, using 8 patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). RNAseq analysis followed by mitochondria-specific molecular assays were used to determine the mechanism of action. Results We show that Ru1 is capable of inhibiting CSC OXPHOS function in vitro, and more importantly, it presents excellent anti-cancer activity, with low toxicity, across a large panel of human pancreatic PDXs, as well as in colorectal cancer and osteosarcoma PDXs. Mechanistic studies suggest that this activity stems from Ru1 binding to the D-loop region of the mitochondrial DNA of CSCs, inhibiting OXPHOS complex-associated transcription, leading to reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption, membrane potential, and ATP production, all of which are necessary for CSCs, which heavily depend on mitochondrial respiration. Conclusions Overall, the coordination complex Ru1 represents not only an exciting new anti-cancer agent, but also a molecular tool to dissect the role of OXPHOS in CSCs. Results indicating that the compound is safe, non-toxic and highly effective in vivo are extremely exciting, and have allowed us to uncover unprecedented mechanistic possibilities to fight different cancer types based on targeting CSC OXPHOS.

Abstract Efferocytic clearance of apoptotic cells in general, and T cells in particular, is required for tissue and immune homeostasis. Transmembrane mucins are extended glycoproteins highly expressed in the cell glycocalyx that function as a barrier to phagocytosis. Whether and how mucins may be regulated during cell death to facilitate efferocytic corpse clearance is not well understood. Here we show that normal and transformed human T cells express a subset of mucins which are rapidly and selectively removed from the cell surface during apoptosis. This process is mediated by the ADAM10 sheddase, the activity of which is associated with XKR8-catalyzed flipping of phosphatidylserine to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. Mucin clearance enhances uptake of apoptotic T cells by macrophages, confirming mucins as an enzymatically-modulatable barrier to efferocytosis. Together these findings demonstrate a glycocalyx regulatory pathway with implications for therapeutic intervention in the clearance of normal and transformed apoptotic T cells.

Abstract Immune cells must adapt to different environments during the course of an immune response. Here we study the adaptation of CD8+ T cells to the intestinal microenvironment and how this process shapes the establishment of the CD8+ T cell pool. CD8+ T cells progressively remodel their transcriptome and surface phenotype as they enter the gut wall, and downregulate expression of mitochondrial genes. Human and mouse intestinal CD8+ T cells have reduced mitochondrial mass, but maintain a viable energy balance to sustain their function. We find that the intestinal microenvironment is rich in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which drives mitochondrial depolarization in CD8+ T cells. Consequently, these cells engage autophagy to clear depolarized mitochondria, and enhance glutathione synthesis to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) that result from mitochondrial depolarization. Impairing PGE2 sensing promotes CD8+ T cell accumulation in the gut, while tampering with autophagy and glutathione negatively impacts the T cell pool. Thus, a PGE2-autophagy-glutathione axis defines the metabolic adaptation of CD8+ T cells to the intestinal microenvironment, to ultimately influence the T cell pool.

In recent years, there has been evidence of a growing interest on the part of universities to know in advance the academic performance of their students and allow them to establish timely strategies to avoid desertion and failure. One of the biggest challenges to predicting student performance is presented in the course “Programming Fundamentals” of Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Information Systems Engineering careers in Peruvian universities for high student dropout rates. The objective of this research was to explore the efficiency of Long-Short Term Memory Networks (LSTM) in the field of Educational Data Mining (EDM) to predict the academic performance of students during the seventh, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth weeks of the academic semester, which allowed us to identify students at risk of failing the course. This research compares several predictive models, such as Deep Neural Network (DNN), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Classifier (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). A major challenge machine learning algorithms face is a class imbalance in a dataset, resulting in over-fitting to the available data and, consequently, low accuracy. We use Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) and Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) to balance the data needed in our proposal. From the experimental results based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-Score, the superiority of our model is verified concerning a better classification, with 98.3% accuracy in week 8 using LSTM-GAN, followed by DNN-GAN with 98.1% accuracy.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a vaccine-preventable viral infection that poses significant public health challenges, particularly in regions where tick-borne diseases are endemic. This case report describes a 2-year-old boy with confirmed abortive TBEV infection following a tick bite during travel to Switzerland. The patient developed fever and mild symptoms but did not exhibit central nervous system involvement. The case underscores the importance of raising awareness among healthcare providers and travelers from non-endemic areas, such as Serbia, about TBE risk and the potential benefits of preventive vaccination. Strategic immunization campaigns could mitigate the public health impact of travel-related TBE.

Background: Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines involved in the immune response with a synergistic regulatory effect on the immune response. They are therapeutics for various viral and proliferative conditions, with proven safety and efficacy. Their clinical application is challenging due to the molecules’ size, degradation, and pharmacokinetics. We are working on new drug delivery systems that provide adequate therapeutic concentrations for these cytokines and prolong their half-life in the circulation, such as nanoformulations. Methods: Through nanoencapsulation using electrospray technology and biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, we are developing a controlled release system based on nanoparticles for viral infections of the respiratory tract. Results: We developed a controlled release system for viral respiratory tract infections. A prototype nanoparticle with a core was created, which hydrolyzed the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) shell , releasing the active ingredients interferon-alpha (IFN-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). The chitosan (QS) core degraded slowly, with a controlled release of IFN-α. The primary and rapid effect of the interferon combination ensured an antiviral and immunoregulatory response from day one, induced by IFN-α and enhanced by IFN-γ. The multilayer design demonstrated an optimal toxicity profile. Conclusions: This formulation is an inhaled dry powder intended for the non-invasive intranasal route. The product does not require a cold chain and has the potential for self-administration in the face of emerging viral infections. This novel drug has applications in multiple infectious, oncological, and autoimmune conditions, and further development is proposed for its therapeutic potential. This prototype would ensure greater bioavailability, controlled release, fewer adverse effects, and robust biological action through the simultaneous action of both molecules.

The 18-exon human TKFC gene codes for dual-activity triokinase and FMN cyclase (TKFC) in an ORF, spanning from exon 2 to exon 18. In addition to TKFC-coding transcripts (classified as tkfc type by their intron-17 splice), databases contain evidence for alternative TKFC transcripts, but none of them has been expressed, studied, and reported in the literature. A novel full-ORF transcript was cloned from brain cDNA and sequenced (accession no. DQ344550). It results from an alternative 3′ splice-site in intron 17. The cloned cDNA contains an ORF also spanning from exon 2 to exon 18 of the TKFC gene but with a 56-nt insertion between exons 17 and 18 (classified as tkfc_ins56 type). This insertion introduces an in-frame stop, and the resulting ORF codes for a shorter TKFC variant, which, after expression, is enzymatically inactive. TKFC intron-17 splicing was found to be differentially expressed in human tissues. In a multiple-tissue northern blot using oligonucleotide probes, the liver showed a strong expression of the tkfc-like splice of intron 17, and the heart preferentially expressed the tkfc_ins56-like splice. Through a comparison to global expression data from massive-expression studies of human tissues, it was inferred that the intestine preferentially expresses TKFC transcripts that contain neither of those splices. An analysis of transcript levels quantified by RNA-Seq in the GTEX database revealed an exception to this picture due to the occurrence of a non-coding short transcript with a tkfc-like splice. Altogether, the results support the occurrence of potentially relevant transcript variants of the TKFC gene, differentially expressed in human tissues. (This work is dedicated in memoriam to Professor Antonio Sillero, 1938–2024, for his lifelong mentoring and his pioneering work on triokinase).

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology for sustainable energy generation, which leverages the metabolic activities of microorganisms to convert organic substrates into electrical energy. In oil spill scenarios, hydrocarbonoclastic biofilms naturally form at the water–oil interface, creating a distinct environment for microbial activity. In this work, we engineered a novel MFC that harnesses these biofilms by strategically positioning the positive electrode at this critical junction, integrating the biofilm’s natural properties into the MFC design. These biofilms, composed of specialized hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, are vital in supporting electron transfer, significantly enhancing the system’s power generation. Next-generation sequencing and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the microbial community, revealing a significant enrichment of hydrocarbonoclastic Gammaproteobacteria within the biofilm. Notably, key genera such as Paenalcaligenes, Providencia, and Pseudomonas were identified as dominant members, each contributing to the degradation of complex hydrocarbons and supporting the electrogenic activity of the MFCs. An electrochemical analysis demonstrated that the MFC achieved a stable power output of 51.5 μW under static conditions, with an internal resistance of about 1.05 kΩ. The system showed remarkable long-term stability, which maintained consistent performance over a 5-day testing period, with an average daily energy storage of approximately 216 mJ. Additionally, the MFC effectively recovered after deep discharge cycles, sustaining power output for up to 7.5 h before requiring a recovery period. Overall, the study indicates that MFCs based on hydrocarbonoclastic biofilms provide a dual-functionality system, combining renewable energy generation with environmental remediation, particularly in wastewater treatment. Despite lower power output compared to other hydrocarbon-degrading MFCs, the results highlight the potential of this technology for autonomous sensor networks and other low-power applications, which required sustainable energy sources. Moreover, the hydrocarbonoclastic biofilm-based MFC presented here offer significant potential as a biosensor for real-time monitoring of hydrocarbons and other contaminants in water. The biofilm’s electrogenic properties enable the detection of organic compound degradation, positioning this system as ideal for environmental biosensing applications.

This article investigates the challenges of maintaining the Machico Cable-Stayed Bridge in a marine environment, focusing on its implications for urban mobility. The primary problem addressed is the impact of harsh marine conditions on the structural integrity of the bridge, which poses significant challenges for ongoing maintenance and safety. The research highlights unique aspects such as the effects of saltwater exposure on materials and the interplay between infrastructure and urban transit dynamics. By emphasizing these critical issues, this study aims to provide insights into effective maintenance strategies and contribute to the broader discourse on urban mobility in coastal regions.

During the first hours after stroke onset, neurological deficits can be highly unstable: some patients rapidly improve, while others deteriorate. This early neurological instability has a major impact on long-term outcome. Here, we aimed to determine the genetic architecture of early neurological instability measured by the difference between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 6 h of stroke onset and NIHSS at 24 h. A total of 5876 individuals from seven countries (Spain, Finland, Poland, USA, Costa Rica, Mexico and Korea) were studied using a multi-ancestry meta-analyses. We found that 8.7% of NIHSS at 24 h of variance was explained by common genetic variations, and also that early neurological instability has a different genetic architecture from that of stroke risk. Eight loci (1p21.1, 1q42.2, 2p25.1, 2q31.2, 2q33.3, 5q33.2, 7p21.2 and 13q31.1) were genome-wide significant and explained 1.8% of the variability suggesting that additional variants influence early change in neurological deficits. We used functional genomics and bioinformatic annotation to identify the genes driving the association from each locus. Expression quantitative trait loci mapping and summary data-based Mendelian randomization indicate that ADAM23 (log Bayes factor = 5.41) was driving the association for 2q33.3. Gene-based analyses suggested that GRIA1 (log Bayes factor = 5.19), which is predominantly expressed in the brain, is the gene driving the association for the 5q33.2 locus. These analyses also nominated GNPAT (log Bayes factor = 7.64) ABCB5 (log Bayes factor = 5.97) for the 1p21.1 and 7p21.1 loci. Human brain single-nuclei RNA-sequencing indicates that the gene expression of ADAM23 and GRIA1 is enriched in neurons. ADAM23, a presynaptic protein and GRIA1, a protein subunit of the AMPA receptor, are part of a synaptic protein complex that modulates neuronal excitability. These data provide the first genetic evidence in humans that excitotoxicity may contribute to early neurological instability after acute ischaemic stroke.

This study investigated verbal imitation from a multimodal point of view, considering the mutual influence of children's and adults' participation. Sixteen Spanish-speaking children were observed longitudinally at 21, 24, and 30 months of age in natural settings. We analyzed the multimodal characteristics of children's and adults' repetitions, considering whether they were verbal, verbal-gestural, or gestural. In addition, we also analyzed the multimodal characteristics of the utterances that were repeated (source). Measures of vocabulary and grammatical levels were also taken into account at the three points in development. Results showed that verbal-gestural repetitions were frequent in the speech of children and adults, although not as frequent as verbal repetitions. Nevertheless, verbal-gestural speech was reproduced more frequently than verbal speech. Adults were more likely to reproduce children's speech when it included gestures, which was also related to children's linguistic level. Furthermore, children and adults synchronize their multimodal communicative behaviors, coordinating the modality of their repetitions with the modality of the source speech. The results are discussed taking into account the need to study the multimodal characteristics of child-directed speech, as well as the need to study verbal repetition and multimodal communicative behaviors simultaneously, as forms of interaction that are essential to language development.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the perceptions of participants regarding a blended learning training course in Chile (and its e-learning adaptation due to the COVID-19 pandemic) for mentor teachers (MTs). The MT learns theoretical elements of mentoring and in parallel accompanies a newly qualified teacher while receiving support from an online tutor. Opinions are presented from MTs and accompanied teachers (ATs) about the contribution, format and methodology of the course. Design/methodology/approach: A program evaluation with mixed methodology was used. Online questionnaires were sent to MTs and ATs at the end of the course. Returned questionnaires totaled 98 MTs and 20 ATs for the blended learning version and 75 MTs and 54 ATs for the e-learning format. In addition, 11 post-course interviews were conducted in three schools with MTs, ATs and their school leaders. Findings: The course contributed to the development of mentoring skills. Participants highlighted the importance of the face-to-face component of both versions. The theoretical-practical methodology used was positively evaluated. Support and feedback provided to MTs by the online tutor was important for developing skills. Research limitations/implications: Results are part of a case (n = 247), so general statements cannot be made about the population. Practical implications: While this program evaluation focuses on a specific context, the results can contribute to the design of effective MT online training courses in other contexts and countries, given the limited body of research on this type of experience. Originality/value: The course provided is described in detail, which may be useful when designing similar mentor education courses in other contexts.

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the perceptions of preservice teachers regarding their learning during the teaching practicum (TP) period in the context of the pandemic. Specifically, the objectives of this study are to analyze the difficulties and the learning consequences perceived by student teachers and also to identify proposals with which to improve the initial teacher education (ITE) during the TP period in times of uncertainty and crisis. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a mixed-methods approach. The participants consisted of 89 preservice teachers (student teachers). An online questionnaire was used to collect data during January 2022 in two rounds. The data analysis was carried out from an integrative perspective and used both a descriptive approach and the content analysis of the participants' narratives. Findings: The results show the differences, adjustments and adaptations that have had to be implemented in schools as a whole. The findings also highlight the difficulties that the pandemic context has caused for the TP period in schools and the relevant implications that it has had on ITE during these past two academic years. Originality/value: This research is relevant for a better understanding of the challenges faced during the pandemic in the field of early childhood and primary education. More specifically, this paper gives important clues to higher education institutions on how to carry out TP, especially in times of uncertainty and crisis.

Introducción: Las tecnologías 4.0 han logrado la obtención de información en tiempo real sobre los pacientes, el personal médico ha podido tomar decisiones basadas en datos científicos, además de lograr de manera más eficiente el ahorro de tiempo y recursos. Objetivo: Explorar el desarrollo y la implementación de las tecnologías 4.0 en el sector de la salud, determinando sus principales beneficios y dificultades, para de esta manera tener una mayor aproximación teórica a este fenómeno industrial. Metodología: Revisión bibliográfica sistemática de artículos científicos en español e inglés desde 2021 a 2023. Se analizaron más de 20 artículos de bases de datos como SCOPUS, Redalyc, Science Direct, incluyendo artículos originales y estudios de caso, observacionales y descriptivos. Resultados: varios análisis médicos realizados por IAs demostraron eficiencia en detección de afecciones, como metástasis pulmonares y de cáncer de mama, también al momento de crear algoritmos de predicción como muertes por sobredosis. Conclusiones: La aplicación de tecnologías 4.0 en el sector de la salud ha sido evidencia del gran avance científico, las inteligencias artificiales; han mejorado el proceso de intervencionismo médico, en emisión de diagnósticos, medidas preventivas y planes de tratamiento.

Las figuras clásicas del canon fantástico han consolidado una serie de características fundamentales que las definen tanto desde lo estético como desde lo narrativo, pasando por lo ético. Esa aparente estabilidad se puede ver alterada cuando dichas figuras son presentadas bajo una forma infantil. El presente artículo quiere poner de manifiesto esa reconfiguración, a través de cuatro figuras emblemáticas de ese canon (el demonio, el licántropo, el monstruo de Frankenstein y el vampiro), y de sus correspondientes apariciones, de apariencia infantil, en un grupo de formas expresivas interesante por su variedad y pluralidad: un cómic manga, una serie de una plataforma de streaming, un videojuego y una película europea de terror.

Contextualización: el consumo mundial de agua ha ido en aumento desde el siglo XX. Este aumento se debe a que ahora existe una gran demanda en las economías desarrolladas y emergentes; otro aspecto por considerar es el crecimiento de la población a nivel mundial, que se relaciona con un incremento en la demanda de recursos en los sectores agrícola, pecuario e industrial, lo cual resulta en un aumento en el consumo de dichos recursos. Vacío de conocimiento: los sistemas de captación de agua de niebla (atrapanieblas) se están convirtiendo en una alternativa útil para el aprovechamiento de los recursos hídricos ya disponibles en el medio ambiente, para su almacenamiento y posterior distribución en diversas actividades del desarrollo humano. Sin embargo, en Colombia se carece de estudios con relación a la implementación de estos sistemas artesanales. Propósito: este estudio investigó la utilidad de utilizar cuatro atrapanieblas con diferentes porcentajes de polisombra, ubicadas en los sitios Vijal y Alto Bonito, correspondientes al ecosistema de bosque subandino, para determinar la viabilidad de este producto de recolección de agua niebla. Metodología: se realizó un diseño de bloques completamente al azar. Se empleó el método estadístico ANOVA y la prueba de Duncan determinó si había una diferencia significativa entre los porcentajes de polisombra utilizados y la altura de los predios. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo durante un periodo de seis semanas. Resultados y conclusiones: como resultado, la polisombra del 65% captó 980 ml en el predio de Alto Bonito; y en el predio del Vijal la captura fue de 784 ml. La malla con 80% de sombra obtuvo 990 ml en la finca Alto Bonito y 794 ml en la finca Vijal. No hubo diferencias significativas en la captación de agua con relación al porcentaje de sombra de las polisombras. En cuanto a la altura de los predios, hay una diferencia significativa, la retención de agua promedio en la finca Vijal fue de 25.5 ml/día mientras que en el predio de Alto Bonito fue de 31.8 ml/día.

Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal condition caused by toxins produced and secreted by tick salivary glands. This survey presents clinical and epidemiological observations of tick paralysis cases in domestic animals in Cyprus. Local veterinarians report typical tick paralysis cases occurring in goats, sheep, dogs, and cats. The animals suffering from paralysis are free from other neurological diseases, have blood and biochemical parameters within normal ranges, and recover fast by simply removing the ticks found predominantly on the head and around the neck. Tick paralysis cases occur in a specific geographic area of Cyprus (Akamas peninsula), from September through March, but not every year. Instead, the phenomenon has 2 periodic cycles of occurrence, a 3- and a 7-year cycle. The 2 cycles are differentiated by severity based on the number of affected animals and the resulting losses. As described for other tick-borne diseases, these cyclic patterns may be attributed to external factors, self-oscillations of the disease system, or the combined action of these mechanisms. Ticks collected from a recent paralysis case in a goat were morphologically and molecularly identified as Ixodes gibbosus. Efforts should be made to characterize the specific toxins involved in tick paralysis and to develop a vaccine, which could prevent significant losses of small ruminants, especially in free-ranging farming systems, a prevalent management approach observed in Cyprus and various regions worldwide.

Breast cancer, a global health concern affecting women, has been linked to alterations in the gut microbiota, impacting various aspects of human health. This study investigates the interplay between breast cancer and the gut microbiome, particularly focusing on colonization resistance—an essential feature of the microbiota's ability to prevent pathogenic overgrowth. Using a mouse model of breast cancer, we employ diversity analysis, co-occurrence network analysis, and robustness tests to elucidate the impact of breast cancer on microbiome dynamics. Our results reveal that breast cancer exposure affects the bacterial community's composition and structure, with temporal dynamics playing a role. Network analysis demonstrates that breast cancer disrupts microbial interactions and decreases network complexity, potentially compromising colonization resistance. Moreover, network robustness analysis shows the susceptibility of the microbiota to node removal, indicating potential vulnerability to pathogenic colonization. Additionally, predicted metabolic profiling of the microbiome highlights the significance of the enzyme EC 6.2.1.2 - Butyrate--CoA ligase, potentially increasing butyrate, and balancing the reduction of colonization resistance. The identification of Rubrobacter as a key contributor to this enzyme suggests its role in shaping the microbiota's response to breast cancer. This study uncovers the intricate relationship between breast cancer, the gut microbiome, and colonization resistance, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and diagnostic approaches for breast cancer patients.

La leche de cabra suplementada con aceites de girasol y pescado presenta un aumento en el porcentaje de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (LAGPI) respecto a la leche de cabra no suplementada (LC), una disminución en el porcentaje de ácidos grasos saturados y la consecuente baja del índice aterogénico que le otorga mayor valor nutracéutico. El objetivo del trabajo fue caracterizar y comparar las propiedades físico-químicas que determinan la calidad tecnológica para la elaboración de quesos de LAGPI y LC, con énfasis en las proteínas. Ambas leches se obtuvieron en una granja comercial de cabras raza Saanen ubicada en el Sudeste Bonaerense. Una vez confirmados los perfiles de ácidos grasos se analizaron: 1) componentes principales: grasa butirosa (GB), proteína bruta, lactosa, sólidos no grasos y sólidos totales (ST), 2) composición porcentual de la caseína y tamaño de las micelas, 3) tamaño de los glóbulos grasos, 4) composición físico-química: contenido de humedad, densidad, pH y acidez y 5) calidad higiénica (bacterias aeróbicas mesófilas totales). Los contenidos de GB, lactosa y ST fueron significativamente mayores en LAGPI (P