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Abstract The receptor-binding site of influenza A virus hemagglutinin partially overlaps with major antigenic sites and constantly evolves. In this study, we observe that mutations G186D and D190N in the hemagglutinin receptor-binding site have coevolved in two recent human H3N2 clades. X-ray crystallography results show that these mutations coordinately drive the evolution of the hemagglutinin receptor binding mode. Epistasis between G186D and D190N is further demonstrated by glycan binding and thermostability analyses. Immunization and neutralization experiments using mouse and human samples indicate that the evolution of receptor binding mode is accompanied by a change in antigenicity. Besides, combinatorial mutagenesis reveals that G186D and D190N, along with other natural mutations in recent H3N2 strains, alter the compatibility with a common egg-adaptive mutation in seasonal influenza vaccines. Overall, our findings elucidate the role of epistasis in shaping the recent evolution of human H3N2 hemagglutinin and substantiate the high evolvability of its receptor-binding mode.

As photovoltaics (PV), also known as solar electricity, has been growing over the years, the energy markets have been gradually moving toward decentralization. However, recent media accusations suggest that decentralized renewable energy is slowly becoming unpopular because of the hidden fees being charged to owners of installed PV systems. In response, this paper investigates the potential for alternative approaches to incentivize owners using peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing. This study provides an analytical comparison between the use of the P2P mechanism, the net-metering mechanism, and a combination of these in the commercial sector. Through the use of a simulation, this case study presents the possible outcomes of the implementation of these models in a microgrid. Using technical and economic indexes the comparison was made by looking at the following indexes: peak power, energy balance, economic benefit, and transaction index. Based on a microgrid of 28 commercial buildings, readings of consumption were taken at intervals of one hour, and a Python model was made to find PV size and compare trading mechanisms. It was found that the combination of P2P and net-metering had the best overall performance, followed by net-metering itself, with the best season being all for both, and summer for net-metering by itself. This shows that a P2P model implemented in a microgrid helps create more energy balance, although the combination would achieve the highest performance. This study can be used by policymakers for proposing renewable energy policies and regulations that are more beneficial to all prosumers and consumers.

Fossil fuels, the predominant energy source in the United States, have been identified as major contributors to environmental pollution through the release of harmful emissions. As a countermeasure, there has been an increasing focus on the exploration and development of cleaner energy alternatives to alleviate the environmental degradation caused by fossil fuels and to satisfy the growing energy needs. This study conducted scenario analyses to evaluate the impact of integrating solar energy into specific US power grids on reducing carbon emissions. The analysis encompassed electrical systems within California, New England, New York, and the Southwest, utilizing datasets from the Energy Information Administration and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The Energy Information Administration dataset includes information on net generation according to each source and carbon emissions according to fuel type, whereas the National Renewable Energy Laboratory dataset provides hourly projections for 6000 theoretical photovoltaic installations and detailed solar energy output data every five minutes over a year. Our findings indicated a notable decrease in carbon dioxide emissions following the introduction of solar power facilities. The most significant reductions were observed in the Southwest and California, attributed to solar plant integration. Conversely, New York and New England were identified as regions requiring additional policy measures and incentives to meet the emission reduction goals.

Lei et al. systematically characterized the epistasis among natural mutations in the neuraminidase of human influenza H3N2 virus, which provide insights into the biophysical constraints that shaped its evolution trajectory over the past half-century.

For many years, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs have been used to treat androgen or estrogen-dependent tumors. However, emerging evidence shows that the GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) is overexpressed in several cancer cells, including ovarian, endometrial, and prostate cancer cells, suggesting that GnRH analogs could exert direct antitumoral actions in tumoral tissues that express GnRH-R. Another recent approach based on this knowledge was the use of GnRH peptides for developing specific targeted therapies, improving the delivery and accumulation of drugs in tumoral cells, and decreasing most side effects of current treatments. In this review, we discuss the conventional uses of GnRH analogs, together with the recent advances in GnRH-based drug delivery for ovarian, breast, and prostatic cancer cells.

Self-assembling peptides are a type of biomaterial rapidly emerging in the fields of biomedicine and material sciences due to their promise in biocompatibility and effectiveness at controlled release. These self-assembling peptides can form diverse nanostructures in response to molecular interactions, making them versatile materials. Once assembled, the peptides can mimic biological functions and provide a combinatorial delivery of therapeutics such as cytokines and drugs. These self-assembling peptides are showing success in biomedical settings yet face unique challenges that must be addressed to be widely applied in the clinic. Herein, we describe self-assembling peptides’ characteristics and current applications in immunomodulatory therapeutics.

Developing and underdeveloped countries face innumerable problems related to the accessibility and quality of energy that put the lives of patients, health-care infrastructures, and health workers at risk. Current approaches, such as grid power, unsustainable energy sources such as diesel or gas, and mobile health clinics, have proven insufficient to address this issue. In response, access to reliable health care and electricity has undergone multiple transformations in the last decade, especially in remote and rural areas. Good health and clean energy are two of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, originally designed to be a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.” Unfortunately, little is known about the interaction between health-care access and energy access in developing and underdeveloped countries, mainly in remote or rural areas. For this reason, this study conducts a review of the literature, including current approaches, challenges, and opportunities for the implementation of solar energy in health centers. As a result, several challenges and opportunities in three impact areas are presented: (1) operational, (2) environmental, and (3) economic. This study delivers detailed information that allows the implementation of solar energy in the health-care sector (in a more effective manner) by sharing best practices.

Objetivo: Analizar las estrategias implementadas para mantener el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje haciendo uso de las TIC desde la experiencia de una institución de educación superior. Método: Estudio de corte cualitativo, realizado en dos fases: documental y acercamiento con agentes educativos, haciendo uso de una plataforma virtual. El registro de información se hizo mediante notas, que fueron codificadas. El análisis de las fuentes primarias y secundarias fue de carácter general, es decir, se realizó un proceso inductivo y se buscó realizar un ejercicio de reducción y relación categorial para su triangulación con el contexto y la interpretación del equipo investigador. Resultados: Las estrategias efectuadas por la Universidad se clasificaron en tres categorías: infraestructura, corresponde a las acciones implementadas para asumir la virtualidad; la formación docente, se llevó a cabo un proceso de fortalecimiento en pedagogía haciendo uso de las TIC y bienestar estudiantil, las actividades realizadas para alcanzar desde la virtualidad el proceso enseñanza, aprendizaje. Discusión y Conclusiones: Se evidenció la brecha digital y su influencia en el uso de las TIC. La virtualidad en la educación superior implica retos para los cuales no se estaba preparada.

Summary: Lanthipeptides, ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), can be divided into five classes based on their structures and biosynthetic pathways. Class I and II lanthipeptides have been well characterized, whereas less is known about members of the other three classes. Here, we describe a new family of class III lanthipeptides from Firmicutes. Members of the family are distinguished by the presence of a single carboxy-terminal labionin. We identified and characterized andalusicin, a representative of this family. Andalusicin bears two methyl groups at the α-amino terminus, a post-translational modification that has not previously been identified in class III lanthipeptides. Mature andalusicin A shows bioactivity against various Gram-positive bacteria, an activity that is highly dependent on the α-N dimethylation.

Abstract A 11‐year‐old male neutered Shih Tzu was referred to a tertiary facility with a history of weight loss, decreased appetite, polydipsia, and lethargy. The dog had a 10‐year history of nonspecific allergic dermatitis and was being treated with 16 mg/kg of ketoconazole q12h for Malassezia dermatitis. Vague gastrointestinal signs, hypocholesterolemia, and lack of a stress leukogram increased suspicion for hypoadrenocorticism (HA). An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test identified hypocortisolemia on pre‐ and post‐ACTH samples and ketoconazole was discontinued. After a short course of corticosteroid treatment, an ACTH stimulation test was repeated and pre‐ACTH cortisol concentration was within the reference range, and the post‐ACTH cortisol concentration was mildly increased. The temporal association between return of adequate adrenocortical cortisol production and discontinuation of ketoconazole led to the conclusion that the dog had developed iatrogenic HA secondary to ketoconazole treatment.

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that accounts for 5% of demyelinating diseases in pediatrics. Its clinical presentation is variable and associated to the involved area of the central nervous system. Case presentation: This is the case of a 15-year-old patient who consulted several times for nonspecific neurological symptoms. During his last visit to the Clínica Universitaria Colombia in Bogotá, he presented with bilateral optic neuritis, associated with frontal and parietal headache. Immunophenotyping studies were carried out, reporting positive IgG anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies (anti-AQP4 antibody), thus leading to a diagnosis of seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Management with methylprednisolone pulses was initiated with subsequent outpatient management with rituximab that allowed stabilizing the disease. Discussion: This is an interesting case due to its insidious and uncertain onset in a pediatric patient. It was possible to evaluate clinical and diagnostic differences in relation to its presentation in adults. NMOSD mediated by anti-AQP4 is rare; brain and bone marrow MRI are essential for diagnosis. The treatment of choice for acute conditions consists of high doses of methylprednisolone. Conclusion: This disorder may result in irreversible neurological damage; for this reason, high suspicion is required for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Dermatophytosis is a common and highly contagious zoonotic skin disease in companion animals. This disease is a major concern in geographical areas that contain large numbers of stray animal populations. Numerous surveys on dermatophytosis among stray animal populations worldwide range between 27% to 50%. In recent years, the US territory of Puerto Rico was impacted by several natural disasters such as hurricanes, which has led to a large increase of abandonment cases and an increase in the stray animal population. Due to this, large low-cost spay/neuter clinics and trap-neuter-release programs have become a more common practice on the island. During these events, veterinary staff are exposed to multiple animals with no health history, and therefore, zoonotic diseases are of concern. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding the presence of dermatophyte species in symptomatic and asymptomatic stray dogs and cats in a region of Puerto Rico. Hair samples were collected from 99 stray animals with and without dermatological clinical signs. The hair samples were cultured on plates containing rapid sporulation medium and dermatophyte test medium. All cultures were evaluated microscopically to confirm the presence of dermatophytes. Then, all dermatophytes were further evaluated with MALDI-TOF MS to compare both diagnostic tests. A total of 19 animals (19%) were positive for dermatophyte growth. Of these animals, 18/19 were infected with M. canis and 1/19 with Trichophyton spp. Animals with clinical lesions were positive only 13.5% of the time compared to asymptomatic animals, who were positive in 36% of the sample population. All 19 dermatophytes (100%) diagnosed with microscopic evaluation were confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS. Our results indicate that there is a prevalence of 19% of dermatophytosis among the stray dog and cat population of the southeastern coast of the island.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar los resultados de la intervención educativa dirigida a docentes para el fortalecimiento de hábitos saludables y habilidades psicosociales para la vida en niños y niñas de básica primaria en instituciones públicas de la ciudad de Bogotá. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con enfoque descriptivo para lo cual se utilizó como técnica de recolección de información el grupo focal, buscando ahondar con las personas participantes su experiencia, metodología, implementación y resultados del proceso formativo con enfoque de promoción de la salud con énfasis en Habilidades psicosociales para la Vida y Hábitos Saludables con los grupos de escolares. Para el análisis de la información se tuvo en cuenta el enfoque propuesto por Taylor y Bogdan, y para apoyar el análisis se utilizó el software ATLAS ti (v. 6.2). Resultados: La participación de docentes en los procesos formativos tuvo una repercusión en diferentes escenarios de sus vidas, es así como se identifican vivencias en su vida personal, familiar y laboral. Lo cual se explica desde tres ámbitos: lo novedoso del proceso formativo, la creatividad generada en su práctica docente y la solidaridad a la hora de la implementación en las instituciones educativas. Conclusiones: Las personas participantes de la investigación identifican la metodología participativa utilizada en el proceso formativo como innovador y elemento importante para su adherencia al programa, superando así sus predisposiciones iniciales a participar. De la misma manera, el fortalecimiento de la creatividad de docentes es un factor que contribuye al ejercicio docente./ Abstract Objective: to determine the results of an educational intervention aimed at teachers to strengthen the healthy habits and psychosocial life skills of children attending elementary schools in public institutions in the city of Bogotá. Methodology: a qualitative study with a descriptive approach whose data collection technique was the focus group. The study sought to use the help of the participants to further understand their experience, methodology, implementation and results of an educational process focusing on health promotion while emphasizing the psychosocial skills for life and healthy habits of school students. The approach proposed by Taylor and Bogdan was taken into account when analyzing the data. Moreover, the analysis was further supported with the ATLAS ti (v. 6.2) software.6.2). Results: participation of teachers in training processes had an impact on various scenarios of their lives. This is how experiences are identified in their personal, family and work life. This can be explained by the following factors: the training process is a novelty, there is a great deal of creativity applied to its teaching and its implementation in educational institutions involves a lot of solidarity. Conclusions: the individuals who took part in the research perceived the participation methodology used in the training process as innovative and important for their adherence to the program, surpassing their initial predisposition to participate. Furthermore, strengthening the creativity of educators contributes to the teaching practice.

Este articulo muestra el proceso coyuntural de la Mesa Amplia Nacional de Estudiantes, la cual surge como una forma de resistencia estudiantil, en contra de la Reforma que el gobierno Santos propone hacer a la ley 30 de 1992. Esta es la que estructura la educación superior en Colombia. La MANE es un movimiento social de representación estudiantil. Ha logrado legitimidad por el uso de nuevas formas de manifestación pacífica y ganado fuerza a nivel nacional, aumentando sus posibilidades de influir en la política colombiana. Dentro de este movimiento, se dieron dos momentos: el primero ligado a la resistencia estudiantil y el segundo referente a la creación de una nueva propuesta de ley para la educación.

Este articulo muestra el proceso coyuntural de la Mesa Amplia Nacional de Estudiantes, la cual surge como una forma de resistencia estudiantil, en contra de la Reforma que el gobierno Santos propone hacer a la ley 30 de 1992. Esta es la que estructura la educación superior en Colombia. La MANE es un movimiento social de representación estudiantil. Ha logrado legitimidad por el uso de nuevas formas de manifestación pacífica y ganado fuerza a nivel nacional, aumentando sus posibilidades de influir en la política colombiana. Dentro de este movimiento, se dieron dos momentos: el primero ligado a la resistencia estudiantil y el segundo referente a la creación de una nueva propuesta de ley para la educación.

Purpose: The current study investigated hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders among 453 family caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Method: We examined the prevalence of hazardous drinking and its relationship with emotion regulation and coping strategies (problem-solving, social support, and avoidance) using data from the first wave of a longitudinal study on daily ADRD caregiving experiences. A binary logistic regression model was performed to predict the relationship between potential risk factors and hazardous drinking. Results: Findings revealed that 18.1% of ADRD caregivers screened positive for hazardous drinking based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption. Caregivers experiencing greater difficulties in emotion regulation and greater reliance on avoidance as a coping strategy were at higher risk of screening positive for hazardous drinking. Conclusion: These findings stress the importance of targeted interventions to improve emotion regulation and reduce avoidance coping in ADRD caregivers, ultimately enhancing their well-being. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(2), 81–90.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]